THE 


FACTORY  GIRL: 


OR 


GARDEZ  LA  CCEUE, 


What  though  the  gem  is  found  in  caves  of  earth — 
Does  that  destroy  its  beauty,  or  its  worth  *? 
And  tho'  unknown  the  Virtuous  heart  to  Fame, 
Is  not  its  real  value  still  the  same  1 


BY  A.  I.  CUMMTNGS,  M.  D, 


LOWELL: 

J.   E.   SHORT  &    CO 

1847. 


Entered  according  to  an  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1846, 

BY  J.  E.  SHORT  &  CO., 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of 

Massachusetts. 


ABNKR  FORBES, PRINTER, 
37  Coruhiil,  Boston. 


TO 
THE   INTELLIGENT 

AND 

HIGHLY   RESPECTABLE   CLASS 
OF 

FEMALE  OPERATIVES, 

IN  NEW  ENGLAND, 

IS  THIS  HUMBLE  VOLUME  MOST  RESPECTFULLY 

DEDICATED  AND  INSCRIBED, 

BY   THEIR    FRIEND    AND    HUMBLE    SEUVAN'f, 

THE  AUTHOR. 


2063502 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Manchester  of  America  —  Calliste  Barton  —  Evening 
Scenery  in  Mid-Summer  —  Marcus  Hartwell  —  Conversa 
tion  between  Marcus  and  Calliste  —  The  Parting  —  Cal 
liste  repairs  to  her  Devotions,  and  Marcus  to  his  Flute. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Preparations  for  Calliste's  Separation  from  her  Family 
and  Friends  —  Her  Departure  —  The  Journey — Com 
mencement  of  Factory  Life —  Letters  from  Home. 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  Paternal  Residence  of  Calliste's  Early  Home  — 
Her  Parents  and  Family  —  The  Attractions  and  Charms 
of  Home. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Incidents  of  a  Night  —  Tlie  Student  pursuing  his  Stud 
ies —  Edwin  Barton  —  The  Noble  Spirit  of  the  Factory 
Girl  —  Cheering  prospects  opened  to  young  Barton,  by  the 
noble  efforts  of  a  Factory  Girl  —  A  Sister's  Love. 


VI  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  interesting  season  of  Youth  —  Calliste's  Personal 
Charms  —  Her  intellectual  and  moral  Excellence  —  Deci 
sion  of  Character  —  Character  of  the  New  England  Fac 
tory  Girl. 

CHAPTER  VL 

The  Factory  Girl's  new  Associations  and  Friends  —  Her 
Boarding  House  —  Louisa  Elliot  —  Constant  Friendship. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Cassius  Willson  and  Alfred  Boyden  —  Their  character, 
conversation,  purposes,  &c.  —  Calliste  and  Louisa  their 
marked  Victims. 

CHAPTER  VHJ. 

A  Country  Cottage  in  Winter  —  A  Young  Man  and  his 
Letter  —  Reflections  —  Marcus  Hartwell,  an  Orphan  —  His 
Profession  —  His  Uncle  and  his  Plot. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

The  Lyceum  —  Two  Young  Ladies  attract  the  attention 
of  a  Young  Southerner  and  his  Associate  —  Their  Offer 
Rejected. 

CHAPTER  X. 

The  College  Commencement  —  Preparations  —  The 
Standing  of  Young  Barton  in  College — His  Valedictory 
Address  —  He  graduates  with  high  honors. 

CHAPTER  XL 

"  The  Offering"  —  The  Private  Apartment  of  a  Factory 
Girl  —  A  letter  from  Marcus. 


CONTENTS.  VU 


CHAPTER  XII. 

A  Village  on  the  banks  of  the  Connecticut  —  Dr.  Hart- 
well  —  His  Success  —  Death  of  his  Uncle  —  Marcus  be 
comes  possessor  of  an  Estate  by  Will — Dr.  Hartwell's 
Office. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

The  Factory  Girl  leaves  the  "  City  of  Spindles  "  for  her 
early  home,  attended  by  her  friend  Louisa  —  The  Family 
Greeting. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Calliste  re-visits  the  scenes  of  her  early  pleasures  and 
pastimes  —  Changes  —  Arrival  of  young  Batton  —  His 
Preaching  —  Recollections  of  the  Past. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

A  night  Scene  in  Autumn  —  Solitude  —  Scene  at  the 
Farmer's  Cottage  —  Edwin  and  Louisa — Shafts  of  Cupid 
—  True  Affection  Reciprocated  —  Reflections. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  Separation  —  Calliste  and  her  friend  again  "  among 
the  spindles" — Edwin  a  candidate  for  Ordination  —  Mrs. 
Elliot  —  A  Mother's  Love. 

CHAPTER  XVIL 

The  charms  of  Winter  —  Interesting  Scene  at  Mrs.  Elli 
ot's  —  Dr.  Hartwell's  Arrival  —  The  Wedding  —  The 
Company  retire  —  Dr.  Hartwell  and  Calliste  enjoy  a  pleas 
ant  Interview  —  Departure  for  their  future  home — A 
Beautiful  Village  —  Rev.  Mr.  Barton's  Residence. 


VIII  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XVIH. 

What  renders  Life  Happy  —  CalHste  at  her  Father's  — 
Preparations  for  an  Interesting  Event  —  Future  Prospects, 
&c. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

The  Advent  of  Spring  —  Evening  on  the  river  banks  — 
Calliste  —  Personal  Qualities — ' Sabbath  Morn  —  The  Mar 
riage —  Attending  Incidents  —  The  Village  —  Business 
and  Prospects  of  Dr.  Hartwell. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Calliste  as  a  Wife  —  Edwin  Barton  —  His  standing  and 
prospects — Dr.  Hartwell  and  his  Family  —  His  position 
in  Society  —  Results  of  the  Mission  of  the  Factory  Girl  — 
Conclusion. 


THE   FACTORY  GIRL 


CHAPTER   I. 

They  parted  —  and  a  mutual  kiss 
Their  vows  had  sealed  for  future  bliss  ; 
While  Hope's  bright  beacon  lent  its  ray, 
And  bore  Affection's  sigh  away  ! 

NEVER,  perhaps,  did  the  "  Manchester  of 
America,"  though  renowned  for  the  moral  and 
intellectual  worth  of  its  inhabitants,  and  especially 
its  Female  Operatives,  bear  within  its  limits  a 
nobler,  more  pure,  and  worthy  soul,  than  that 
which  caused  the  heart  of  CALLISTE  BARTON  to 
beat,  in  her  humble  sphere.  In  saying  this,  it  is 
no  disparagement  to  any  one,  as  we  trust  the 
following  pages  will  show. 

And  now,  courteous  reader,  we  invite  you  to 
follow  us,  if  you  please,  through  a  series  of  scenes 
which,  though  delineated  in  a  familiar  style,  and 
without  the  magic  graces  of  the  romantic  imagin 
ation,  or  the  art  of  the  novelist,  we  trust  may  not 
prove  uninteresting,  especially  to  the  class  of 
which  the  subject  of  our  narrative  was  a  worthy 
1 


10  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

member.  And  if  la  beau  monde*  will  condescend 
to  follow  our  humble  pen,  we  will  show  them  that 
a  gem  of  transcendent  beauty  and  worth  may  be 
found  even  in  the  depths  of  obscurity. 

It  was  a  beautiful  evening  in  mid-summer,  in 
the  year  18 — .  The  brilliant  constellations  had 
taken  their  seats  in  the  blue  vault  of  heaven,  and 
every  star  seemed  to  twinkle  with  joy,  and  to  emit 
its  rays  like  the  benign  influence  of  the  virtuous 
mind  upon  surrounding  objects.  The  zephyrs, 
rilled  with  the  fragrance  of  nature's  flower-garden, 
wafted  their  rich  perfume  in  a  sweet  murmur,  save 
which,  with  the  gentle  rolling  of  the  pellucid 
stream,  silence  reigned.  The  earth  was  clothed 
in  her  richest  garments,  and  dame  Nature  seemed 
to  smile  with  satisfaction  at  the  faithful  accom 
plishment  of  her  work,  and  the  beauty  of  each 
object  which  her  pencil  had  touched,  or  her  magic 
wand  animated.  Then  Solitude  lent  her  charm, 
and  Devotion  her  power  to  the  virtuous  mind. 

On  such  an  evening  as  this,  at  a  short  distance 
from  a  small,  yet  beautiful  village  of  the  "  Granite 
State,"  upon  the  banks  of  a  stream  tributary  to 
the  noble  river  that  washes  the  western  boundary 
of  that  State,  might  have  been  seen,  apparently 
in  deep  and  interesting,  if  not  anxious  conversa 
tion,  a  lady  and  gentleman,  whose  appearance 
would  have  particularly  engaged  your  attention. 
They  were  both  young,  and  the  lady  at  least  was 
peculiarly  beautiful  and  lovely. 

"When  shall  you  return,  Calliste?"  inquired 

*  The  fashionable  world. 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  11 

the  gentleman.  "  That  is  uncertain,"  was  the 
reply.  "  We  shall  miss  you,"  continued  the  first 
speaker,  "  but  I  hope  we  shall  hear  from  you 
often."  "  Most  certainly  I  shall  write,"  she  re 
plied.  But  we  have  traced  their  conversation  far 
enough  to  open  to  the  minds  of  our  readers  the 
characters  which  we  have  introduced  ;  and  as  the 
companion  of  Calliste,  at  the  present  time,  permit 
us  to  introduce  MARCUS  HARTWELL,  of  whom  the 
reader  will  hear  more  as  we  proceed.  Suffice  it 
to  say,  that  he  was  a  very  dear  friend  of  Calliste, 
and  that  they  were  about  to  part  for  a  season. 

Long  did  they  converse,  seated  upon  the  moss- 
covered  bank,  beneath  the  shade  of  a  majestic 
elm,  whose  towering  trunk  had  bid  defiance  to 
the  storms  of  many  a  rolling  year,  ere  those  be 
neath  its  boughs  had  commenced  the  journey  of 
life.  The  subject  of  their  present  conversation 
will  be  readily  guessed  by  our  readers.  Theirs, 
gentle  friends,  were  hearts  swayed  by  reciprocal 
feelings  —  by  deep,  pure,  fervent,  and  devoted 
affection.  They  had- not  learned  to  trifle  with  the 
brightest,  sweetest,  and  purest  feelings  of  which 
our  nature  is  susceptible.  They  had  received  this 
precious  gift  from  the  hand  of  Virtue,  and  her 
kiss  as  the  signet  of  her  approval  aroused  confi 
dence  to  act  in  mutual  harmony  —  and  they  were 
happy.  This,  indeed,  is  the  only  source  to  the 
fountain  of  happiness,  and  all  the  pranks  of  Cupid 
upon  hearts  really  unworthy  to  bear  the  gem  of 
true  affection,  are  but  impulses  that  lead  to  evil, 
rather  than  the  attainment  of  lasting  good. 


12  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

There  is  an  hour,  in  which  the  heart  can  truly 
realize  the  extent  of  its  attachment  to  any  object 
—  when  it  can  truly  feel  the  worth  of  a  soul  pos 
sessing  feelings  congenial  to  its  own.  There  is  a 
time  that  severs  kindred  spirits,  and  plants  their 
destiny  in  remote  climes  from  each  other,  to 
wander  alone  among  strangers,  with  no  friend  to 
soothe  the  aching  head,  or  cheer  the  hour  of  sor 
row  and  gloom,  by  a  kind  word  and  an  ever- wel 
come  smile.  Yes, 

The  parting  hour,  to  kindred  hearts, 
Truly  is  ever  fraught  with  pain  ; 

For  who  can  tell,  when  once  we  part, 
If  we  shall  ever  meet  again? 

We  love  the  endearing  associations  that  cluster 
around  Home,  and  from  the  scenes  of  our  child 
hood,  hallowed  by  so  many  interesting  names  and 
scenes  —  all  dear  to  our  heart —  it  is  indeed  hard 
to  part ;  but  there  is  one  association  that  binds  us 
still  stronger  to  its  object,  and  that  is  true  affec 
tion.  This,  this,  we  say,  draws  the  cords  of  the 
heart,  and  touches  a  vibrating  string,  the  music  of 
which  strikes  upon  the  soul  in  tones  sorrowful,  yet 
sweet,  as  in  the  low  and  hallowed  cadence  the  last 
adieu  falls  upon  our  anxious  ear  with  a  magic  spell. 

Such  was  the  scene  which  we  have  introduced 
to  our  readers,  and  the  time  and  place  were  favor 
able  to  the  parting,  for  a  calm  and  holy  influence 
seemed  to  fall  around  them,  as  if  angels  were  at 
their  devotions  near,  and  the  harmony  of  Nature, 
as  exhibited  in  the  material  universe,  seemed  also 
to  render  a  tribute  of  praise  to  the  Architect  Di- 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR. 


13 


vine.  But  in  the  hearts  of  Marcus  and  Calliste, 
nothing  but  unfeigned  affection  touched  the 
strings  ;  and  though  that  passion  —  so  sacred,  so 
holy  —  was  mutual,  yet,  up  to  the  present  time, 
had  it  remained  unconfessed. 

From  early  years  they  had  associated  with  each 
other,  and  that  attachment  which  had  existed  be 
tween  them,  had  gradually  ripened  into  mutual 
love,  pure  and  ardent.  And  now,  for  the  first 
time,  did  they  realize  the  extent  of  that  passion, 
which  had  so  long  been  cherished,  behind  the  veil 
of  the  heart.  This  was  the  scene  of  the  confes 
sion  and  the  declaration  of  affection.  And  as  he 
clasped  Calliste  to  his  bosom,  and  the  first  holiest 
kiss  of  love  was  mutually  given,  think  you  not, 
dear  reader,  an  emotion  thrilled  the  heart  of  Mar 
cus,  whose  very  nature  forbid  aught  but  constancy 
and  fidelity  to  its  sacred  trust  ?  The  pledge  was 
given  —  the  solemn  vow  was  sealed,  and  regis 
tered,  we  fancy,  in  the  sanctum  of  virtue,  for 
future  reference. 

They  parted  —  but  think  you,  fair  reader,  it  was 
not  with  mutual  satisfaction  ?  Though  they  were 
to  be  separated  for  a  season,  yet  they  were  blest 
with  the  anticipation  of  a  future  meeting,  under 
more  pleasant  circumstances.  Hope  cheered  their 
hearts,  and  the  last  embrace  and  adieu  found  a 
charm  from  the  light  of  that  blessed  beacon  which 
is  the  joy  of  the  mind.  They  parted  —  Marcus 
to  resume  his  studies,  and  Calliste  to  leave  the 
home  of  her  childhood,  with  all  its  endearing 
scenes,  to  take  up  her  abode  among  strangers,  in 


THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

a  distant  location.  Ye  who  have  tried  the  experi 
ment,  know  what  it  is  to  commit  yourselves  to 
the  mercies  and  sympathies  of  an  unfriendly 
world  —  to  leave  the  scenes  of  home,  for  a  resi 
dence  amid  the  noise  and  jar  of  a  bustling  town, 
and  confined  to  the  hours  designated  by  the 
rattling  bell.  You  know  the  difference  between 
this  and  the  associations,  and  familiar  faces  of 
"  Sweet  Home."  This  was  the  chosen  lot  of  Cal- 
liste,  for  a  laudable  purpose  ;  and  the  morrow  was 
the  day  appointed  for  her  departure.  Yet  she 
dreaded  it  not,  for  she  was  prepared  by  virtue  for 
the  task,  and  she  had  an  important  object  in  view. 
Whatever  may  be  the  character  of  present  cir 
cumstances,  however  painful  our  situation,  we  can 
bear,  with  fortitude,  each  burthen,  if  we  have  the 
satisfaction  that  the  future  will  bring  relief.  Hope, 
the  day-star  of  our  life,  cheers  us  under  every 
trial,  and  we  trust  to  its  anchor  for  a  happy  termi 
nation  of  pain  or  sorrow,  and  a  safe  deliverance 
from  the  frowns  of  adversity.  The  heart  would 
sink  in  despondency,  were  not  this  animating 
principle  firmly  planted  in  the  human  breast.  We 
need  its  salutary  influence, 

To  cheer  the  soul,  when  fortune  frowns, 

And  feed  the  sinking  vital  flame  ; 
To  give  new  life  where  sorrow  drowns, 

And  shine  with  beauty  in  a  name  ! 

We  find  Calliste,  now,  in  her  own  private  apart 
ment,  and  there,  in  humble  devotion,  she  pours 
out  her  soul  to  the  Giver  of  every  good,  to  ask  His 
protection  and  continued  blessing,  and  from  a  sin- 


GARDEZ    LA    CfflUR. 

cere  heart  that  evening,  arose  her  fervent  petition 
to  the  Throne  of  Grace,  for,  to  the  other  beauties 
of  her  character  was  added  the  crowning  excel 
lence  of  true  and  ardent  piety.  A  book  was  upon 
the  small  table  near  her,  and  it  was  that  blessed 
volume,  which,  if  rightly  improved,  "  is  able  to 
make  us  wise  unto  salvation."  As  she  rose  and 
resumed  her  seat,  a  calm  serenity  of  countenance 
indicated  the  approval  of  conscience,  and  this  is 
the  richest  blessing  which  is  within  our  reach. 

She  was  indeed  beautiful,  and  however  rare  the 
union,  her  mind  was  no  less  attractive. 

Tho'  beauty,  in  its  ev'ry  grace, 
Rested  upon  her  form  and  face, 
The  mind  contained  the  priceless  gem  — 
E'en  virtue's  richest  diadem. 

How  truly  beautiful  the  scene,  when  the  youth 
ful  heart  surrenders  itself  to  the  service  of  it* 
Creator !  and  what  more  pleasing  and  truly  inter 
esting  object  can  you  name,  than  a  "  pious  youth  ?" 
Angels  may  well  rejoice,  and  saints  be  glad,  when 
the  young,  in  all  the  bloom  and  activity  of  the 
spring  time  of  life,  yield  to  God,  and  unite  with 
God's  people  to  serve  Him.  Calliste  was  one  of 
that  happy  number  whose  God  is  the  Lord. 

As  she  sat  thus,  alone  in  her  room,  meditating, 
perhaps,  upon  the  scene  which  had  transpired,  or 
anxiously  contemplating  the  future,  through  an 
open  window,  the  gentle  breeze  of  evening  bore 
to  her  ears  the  notes  of  music  at  a  distance,  each 
note  echoing  in  the  silence  of  the  night  with  a 
peculiar  sweetness  of  tone  which  only  the  rural 


16  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

seclusion  affords.  It  was  the  flute  of  Marcus, 
which  had  so  often  accompanied  her  voice  in  the 
songs  which  fill  the  heart  with  emotion ;  and  the 
thought  that  she  heard  the  welcome  sound  for  the 
last  time,  at  least  for  a  season,  for  a  moment 
caused  her  countenance  to  bear  an  expression  of 
sorrow.  But  it  was  of  short  duration.  And  as 
the  last  note  of  one  of  her  favorite  pieces  died 
upon  the  ear,  and  she  heard  no  more,  she  rose 
from  the  window  and  retired  to  rest. 

How  sweet  the  rest  of  that  individual,  whose 
mind  is  conscious  of  rectitude  !  How  blessed  the 
state  of  that  mind  that  can  place  its  trust  in  an 
Omnipotent  Arm,  and  fear  no  evil !  Such  was 
the  mind  of  Calliste  ;  and  she  was  happy,  though 
painful  the  thought  of  the  prospect  before  her  — 
at  least  of  leaving  the  humble  roof,  even  in  that 
seclusion,  dear  to  her  by  so  many  pleasing  recol 
lections,  and  of  leaving  a  father,  mother  and  broth 
er,  to  find  another  home  for  herself,  at  the  tender 
age  of  sixteen  years.  But  she  was  prepared,  and 
well  prepared,  for  the  task.  Her  mind  was  forti 
fied  by  virtue's  shield,  and  well  she  knew  the 
prayers  of  her  parents,  and  Marcus,  would  daily 
meet  her  own  at  the  sacred  altar,  for  her  protec 
tion.  Thus  was  she  happy  in  the  anticipation  of 
the  journey  of  the  next  day,  and  we  leave  her, 
simply  remarking,  that  no  life  can  be  truly  happy 
unless  it  is  approved  of  virtue. 


CHAPTER   II. 


She  left  her  home — she  left  her  friends, 

To  act  her  part  upon  Life's  stage  ; 
While  beauty  its  effulgence  lends, 

At  "sweet  sixteen's"  precarious  age. 

THE  shades  of  night  had  disappeared,  and  Au 
rora  had  taken  her  seat  in  her  oriental  chariot, 
while  Sol,  her  grand  representative,  by  his  smiles, 
chased  every  cloud  from  the  horizon,  and  bade 
the  flower  and  bud  unfold  their  beauty,  to  add 
fresh  fragrance  to  the  sparkling  dew-drops,  —  to 
unfold  their  chalices  again,  and  to  pay  their 
tribute  to  the  Power  which  planted  them,  caused 
them  to  vegetate,  and  painted  them  in  all  their 
variegated  and  beautiful  hues. 

Again  were  heard  the  merry  notes  of  some  fa 
vorite  air,  as  the  farmer,  whistling  joyfully,  as  the 
feast  of  a  contented  mind,  took  his  may  to  the 
field,  to  commence  the  labors  of  the  day,  and  an 
imated  nature  in  all  its  varieties,  found  a  tone  to 
echo  in  the  glad  strains  which  characterize  rural 
life.  All  was  life  and  animation,  and  beauty 
crowned  the  scene,  as  the  dew-drops,  like  crystals, 
sparkled  from  their  thousand  petals,  while  the  for- 


18  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

est,  the  hill,  and  the  vale,  were  attired  in  their 
livery  of  green,  wrought  in  multiform  varieties  by 
the  hand  of  Nature. 

But  while  yet  the  morning  twilight  lingered  in 
the  chambers  of  the  east,  Calliste  had  offered  her 
devotion  to  Heaven.  She  had  arisen  and  gone 
forth  to  walk,  and  to  catch  the  rich  perfumes  of 
myriads  of  flowers,  borne  on  etherial  wings,  while 
she  sought  the  invigorating  and  salutary  influence 
of  the  salubrious  atmosphere  of  her  native  hills, 
once  again,  ere  she  left  them  for  other  scenes. 

All  things  were  ready  for  her  departure,  and 
she  felt  a  mixture  of  joy  and  grief  rising  in  her 
breast — joy  in  the  anticipation  of  the  accomplish 
ment  of  her  object,  —  and  grief  at  the  thought  of 
the  separation  which  must  take  place  between 
herself  and  those  near  and  dear  to  her  heart ;  and 
in  consideration  of  the  many  temptations  and 
dangers  to  which  a  city  life  renders  the  young 
and  inexperienced  subjects. 

She  returned,  and  as  the  happy  family  of  which 
Calliste  was  a  much  loved  and  worthy  member, 
seated  themselves  once  again  together  around  the 
humble  board  to  partake  of  the  bounties  of  provi 
dence,  and  then  gathered  around  the  family  altar, 
to  join  in  a  song  of  praise,  and  to  bow  in  humble 
prayer  before  the  Majesty  of  Heaven,  no  wonder 
if  Calliste  felt  indeed  a  pang  at  the  thought  of 
separation.  It  is  natural  to  humanity  to  desire 
that  those  scenes  in  which  we  take  the  most  in 
terest  may  be  perpetuated,  and  the  hour  which  is 
to  sever  us  from  our  highest  enjoyments,  must  ne- 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR. 


19 


cessarily  bring  with  it,  unwelcome  feelings  to  the 
heart.  But  Calliste  had  formed  her  resolutions, 
and  resolved  to  bear  the  pang  that  separation 
must  occasion,  with  a  firm  courage,  and  to  that 
end  had  resolved  to  appear  cheerful.  She  wore 
a  gem  that  is  the  safest  helment  —  the  best  shield 
—  and  that  gem  she  trusted  to  preserve  her  from 
every  snare,  and  enable  her  to  resist  every  temp 
tation.  It  was  the  gem  of  virtue,  gentle  reader, 
crowned  by  true  piety.  This  is  the  defence  of 
the  heart,  —  the  safeguard  of  the  graces  and 
accomplishments  of  the  mind,  and  the  beauties  of 
the  person. 

The  hour  had  come  when  the  adieu  must  fall 
from  lips  unaccustomed  to  speak  the  word.  The 
last  counsels  of  tender  parents  had  been  given, 
and  Calliste  had  been  commended  to  God.  The 
stage  coach  was  at  the  door,  and  she  must  go. 
Then  did  the  reality  burst  upon  the  mind  of  the 
fair  one,  and  almost  did  she  regret  the  step  which 
she  was  about  to  take  — but  it  was  too  late  ;  and 
though  the  tear-drops  forsook  her  eyes,  when  the 
last  embrace  and  kiss  were  given,  yet  she  cheer 
fully  took  her  place  in  the  stage,  and  soon  was  far 
from  the  scenes  of  home,  and  the  familiar  faces 
which  remained.  She  had  an  object  in  view  of 
sufficient  importance  to  cause  her  to  relinquish  her 
own  happiness  for  a  season  to  secure  its  attainment. 

But  what  were  the  feelings  of  that  fond  and 
pious  mother,  at  parting  with  the  object  of  her 
tender  care  and  anxious  solicitude  —  a  beloved 
daughter?  How  dare  she  trust  one  so  young  and 


20 


inexperienced  in  a  distant  city,  and  among  stran 
gers  ?  Exposed,  as  she  necessarily  must  be,  to 
many  evils  and  dangers,  had  she  no  fears  for  her 
safety  ?  Ah,  none  but  a  mother  can  analyze  a 
mother's  feelings  !  None  but  those  who  sustain  the 
sacred  relation,  can  feel  the  many  anxieties  which 
a  tender  mother  experiences  for  the  welfare  of  a 
beloved  child,  from  the  earliest  moments  of  infan 
cy  even  to  mature  age.  But  she  had  the  sweet 
satisfaction  of  knowing  that  those  lessons  of  virtue 
and  morality  —  those  precepts  of  religion,  which 
had  been  impressed  upon  the  mind  of  Calliste 
from  early  years  —  had  not  been  disregarded  ;  a 
satisfaction  which,  were  it  universal,  would  save 
the  pang  of  sorrow  from  many  a  mother's  anxious 
breast.  She  had  confidence  in  the  fidelity  of  her 
daughter  in  the  observation  of  those  precepts 
which  she  had  received ;  and  with  that  feeling, 
though  with  unavoidable  solicitude,  which  only  a 
mother  knows,  she  was  willing  to  trust  Calliste  in 
the  wide  world  for  a  season. 

How  illy  prepared,  indeed,  to  encounter  the 
temptations  and  difficulties  of  life  is  that  mind 
which  has  not  the  shield  of  Virtue  as  a  safe  de 
fence.  Though  possessed  of  brilliant  talents  and 
highly-cultivated  intellectual  faculties,  none  are 
safe  from  the  dangers  of  shipwreck  upon  the 
shoals  and  quicksands  of  life,  unless  the  chart  of 
Virtue  is  on  board,  and  Wisdom  at  the  helm. 
How  many  a  brilliant  star  has  been  lost  from  the 
constellation  of  intellectual  beauty,  because  it 


GARDEZ    LA    C<EUR.  21 

strove  to  twinkle  in  its  own  strength,  and  despised 
the  constant,  saving  flame  of  Virtue. 

Ye,  who  have  learned  by  experience  what  it  is 
to  leave  the  paternal  roof,  for  the  first  time,  to 
mingle  with  strangers,  you  can  tell  the  feelings  of 
the  subject  of  our  narrative,  on  her  journey  to  the 
place  of  her  future  abode.  But  through  the  favor 
of  a  friend  of  her  father,  a  place  had  been  secured 
for  Calliste,  in  a  respectable  family,  and  also  em 
ployment  as  she  had  desired,  and  she  was  thereby 
saved  the  anxiety,  which  otherwise  would  have 
taken  possession  of  her  mind.  Her  journey  af 
forded  novelty  for  the  mind,  in  the  various  objects 
which  met  her  attention,  and  perhaps  was  more 
pleasurable  than  otherwise.  Calliste  was  an  ad 
mirer  of  the  beauties  of  nature,  and  the  land 
scapes,  beautiful  and  variegated,  afforded  many 
objects  of  attraction,  which,  to  the  thoughtless, 
pass  unnoticed.  Indeed,  to  the  reader  of  the 
book  of  nature,  there  can  be  no  scene  more  grati 
fying,  than  that  which  displays  the  picturesque 
attractions  of  variety  and  beauty.  Thus  was  her 
journey  far  from  being  tedious  or  disagreeable, 
for  the  vivacity  of  youth  will  find  among  novel 
ties  many  objects  to  gain  the  attention. 

As  she  neared  the  place  of  her  future  resi 
dence,  perhaps  Calliste  felt  the  need  of  a  friend 
to  introduce  her;  but  she  knew  her  arrival  was 
anticipated,  and  her  letters  of  introduction  were 
sufficient.  But  still,  though  we  may  be  amply 
prepared,  we  shall  find  on  our  first  entering  a 
large  town  or  city,  especially  if  we  are  young  and 


22  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

inexperienced,  many  fears  arising  in  our  minds  in 
relation  to  propriety,  and  the  various  other  lessons 
which  experience  alone  can  teach  us.  And  this 
is  the  case  more  particularly  with  females,  from 
natural  delicacy  and  regard  to  propriety.  But 
suffice  it  to  say,  Calliste  was  well  received,  for  in 
her  appearance  there  was  something  peculiarly 
attractive  and  prepossessing  to  the  accurate  ob 
server  of  human  nature. 

We  find  her  now  at  her  place  of  destination,  in 
an  agreeable  family,  and  pleasantly  located.  She 
has  become  initiated  into  the  mysteries  of  her  pro 
fession,  and  is  now  a  FACTORY  GIRL  ;  and  as  we 
proceed,  kind  reader,  we  will  endeavor  faithfully 
to  portray  the  character  of  one,  who  may  be  re 
garded  as  a  representative  of  the  sisterhood  —  the 
highly  intelligent  and  respectable  class  of  which 
she  was  an  ornament. 

She  had  learned  the  notes  of  the  bell,  and  in 
the  discharge  of  the  daily  duties  devolving  upon 
her,  she  was  comparatively  happy  ;  though  the 
thought  of  home,  perhaps,  caused  the  deep-drawn 
sigh  to  swell  her  bosom,  as  she  recounted  in  her 
mind  the  scenes  of  the  past,  and  those  friends  be 
loved,  whom  she  had  left  behind.  And  one,  in 
particular,  we  may  rest  assured  was  not  forgotten 
—  and  our  readers  will  not  fail  at  once  to  recog 
nize  the  object  of  our  reference.  No!  the  heart 
of  woman  clings  with  wonderful  tenacity  to  the 
object  of  its  choice,  and  alas !  too  often  — though 
not  in  this  case  —  is  that  object  unworthy  of  the 
deep,  ardent  and  lasting  affection,  which  exists  in 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  *» 

the  heart  of  the  fair  one,  and  whose  flame  cannot 
be  extinguished  by  the  floods  of  adversity,  or 
even  the  betrayal  of  its  sacred  trust.  She  loves 
him  still  — 

E'en  though  his  heart  unworthy  prove, 
To  bear  the  sacred  trust  of  love, 
Still  in  her  breast  shall  live,  a  name 
That  tells  affection's  hallowed  flame  ! 
Yes,  woman's  love  shall  constant  shine, 
And  shed  around  a  light  benign  ; 
This  can  dispel  the  darkest  gloom, 
And  cheer  our  pathway  to  the  tomb. 

Did  we  truly  realize  how  sacred  are  the  af 
fections,  methinks  few  indeed  would  dare  to  trifle 
with  a  flame,  which,  when  once  aroused  to  action, 
loses  its  light  only  in  the  grave !  We  should  at 
tach  more  value  to  a  gem,  than  which,  in  its 
purity,  earth  can  boast  none  of  greater  value,  or 
more  transcendent  beauty  and  excellence  —  a  gift 
of  Heaven  to  humanity,  to  bind  in  sacred  rela 
tions  the  human  family  together. 

Calliste  had  been  but  a  short  time  engaged  in 
her  new  employment,  when  she  received  a  pack 
age  of  letters  from  home  ;  and  if  any  thing  can 
cause  the  heart  to  leap  for  joy,  when  at  a  distant 
residence,  and  among  strangers,  it  is  to  hear  from 
HOME.  How  eagerly  do  we  read  every  word  that 
is  from  the  pen  of  those  near  and  dear  to  us  — 
those  whom  we  know  feel  interested  in  our  wel 
fare.  How  eagerly  do  we  receive  whatever  intel 
ligence  is  contained  in  the  affectionate  epistle,  and 
those  precepts,  which  we  know  are  for  our  good ! 
But  there  was  one  letter  in  the  package,  which, 


24  THE  FACTORY  GIRL. 

perhaps,  she  read  with  as  much  interest,  at  least, 
as  any  of  the  others,  and  we  need  not  tell  who  it 
was  from.  When  on  the  page  we  can  read  what 
we  trust  to  be  the  feelings  of  a  kindred  heart,  we 
perhaps  take  unusual  interest  in  the  perusal ;  at 
least,  this  we  will  venture  to  say  was  the  case  with 
Calliste.  She  read,  and  was  happy.  And  here 
we  leave  the  subject  of  our  narrative  for  a  time, 
to  attend  to  her  daily  duties,  while  we  turn  to 
other  scenes  and  characters.  Meanwhile,  we  re 
mark,  that  happiness  dwells  alone  in  a  contented 
mind.  We  have  intimated  already  that  Calliste 
was  happy ;  and  this  condition  presupposes  con 
tentment.  No  one  can  enjoy  the  full  amount  of 
happiness  which  is  attainable  by  mortals,  until 
they  believe  themselves  as  well  off  as  others  ; 
and  this  is  the  foundation  of  contentment.  The 
mind  that  is  ever  seeking  for  novelty,  and  when 
engaged  in  any  enterprise,  is  not  contented  to 
persevere,  but  wishes  for  some  other  object  to 
which  to  turn  the  attention,  will  seldom  make 
much  proficiency  in  any  thing ;  but  the  individu 
al  who,  after  having  chosen  his  profession,  is  con 
tented  steadily  to  pursue  it,  will  not  only  make 
advancement,  and  reap  the  reward  of  his  labors 
in  the  end,  but  will  enjoy  real  happiness,  be  his 
lot  cast  in  the  palace  or  the  humble  cottage. 


CHAPTER   III. 


How  happy  is  the  Farmer's  lot, 
Who  finds  a  home,  tho'  in  a  cot, 
Where  Virtue  and  Contentment  reign, 
And  Providence  rewards  his  pains  ! 

SURROUNDED  by  the  Granite  Hills  of  New 
Hampshire,  in  a  beautiful  valley,  through  which  a 
small  stream  found  its  circuitous  way,  as  its  waters 
danced  merrily  over  the  bright  pebbly  track  which 
it  had  chosen,  arose  the  humble  cottage  of  Mr. 
Barton.  Its  weather-beaten  walls,  externally  had 
acquired  a  leaden  hue,  but  its  romantic  location 
was  such,  as  would  lead  the  poet,  or  the  painter, 
to  select  a  residence  there,  in  preference  to  the 
splendid  mansion  of  the  crowded  city.  The  for 
est-shade,  and  the  meadow,  the  hill's  lofty  eleva 
tion,  and  the  beauties  of  the  valley,  enriched  the 
scenery,  and  made  it  attractive  to  the  admirer  of 
nature.  Here  were  nature's  works  in  all  their 
grandeur,  beauty,  and  unrivalled  magnificence  — 
such  as  are  admirably  calculated  to  impress  the 
mind  with  an  accurate  idea  of  the  truly  beautious 
and  sublime,  and  to  draw  it  in  the  connection  of 
its  relations,  from  "  Nature,  up  to  Nature's  God." 
2 


26  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

And  the  infinite  museum  of  Nature,  also,  ever 
open  to  the  curious,  presented  wonder  upon  won 
der,  to  charm  the  eye,  and  to  demand  attention. 
The  colors  of  every  flower  presented  the  work  of 
an  unrivalled  pencil,  the  imitation  of  which,  even 
to  a  tolerably  correct  extent,  would  be  to  paint 
the  sunbeams.  Here  the  bee  roved  from  flower 
to  flower,  in  pursuit  of  the  dulcet  morsel,  and  in 
his  untiring  industry,  showed  to  man  a  lesson  of 
value,  and  the  golden-plumed  humming-bird,  dart 
ing  with  lightning-like  rapidity,  sported  in  happi 
ness,  as  he  sipped  the  pearly  dew-drop  from  its 
chalice.  Here  was  an  acceptable  home  to  the 
devotional  mind,  in  the  rural  retreat,  than  which, 
no  place  on  earth  offers  more  real  beauties  to  our 
admiration. 

Such  was  the  location  of  the  home  of  Calliste's 
early  years.  Here  had  the  sunny  days  of  child 
hood  been  passed,  among  the  beauties  of  the  va 
riegated  expanse  of  Nature,  and,  up  to  the  pres 
ent  time,  life  was  rendered  sweet  from  day  to  day, 
by  those  countless  charms  which  home  furnishes, 
especially  in  the  moral  seclusion  of  such  a  resi 
dence. 

The  worthy  parents  were  not  blest  with  an 
abundance  of  wealth,  yet  they  were  able,  by  in 
dustry  and  frugality,  to  gain  a  comfortable  support 
for  themselves  and  their  small  family.  They  were 
pious  and  devoted  Christians,  and  in  the  enjoy 
ment  of  the  blessings  of  a  munificent  providence, 
with  grateful  and  contented  hearts,  they  were 
happy.  Two  children,  the  subject  of  our  narra- 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  27 

tive,  and  her  brother,  were  the  objects  of  their 
affectionate  care  and  solicitude,  and  from  their 
earliest  moments,  had  these  highly  favored  chil 
dren  been  the  subjects  of  many  prayers,  and  in 
structions  and  precepts,  which  are  the  greatest 
blessings  that  childhood  can  experience.  Con 
stantly  had  the  precepts  of  virtue  and  religion 
been  instilled  into  their  young  and  tender  minds, 
and  the  result  of  those  lessons  will  be  seen  in  the 
life  of  one  of  them,  at  least,  as  we  proceed.  How 
salutary,  indeed,  such  influences  when  early  im 
pressed  upon  the  mind !  More  valuable  is  the 
single  impression,  according  to  the  rule  of  virtue, 
early,  indelibly  fixed  upon  the  mind,  than  the  gem 
from  the  mountain  ;  and  of  infinitely  more  im 
portance  is  it.  that  first  impressions  be  right,  than 
that  Fortune  should  lavish  her  bounties  in  future 
life.  What,  indeed,  is  genius  without  the  guid 
ance  of  moral  principle  ?  A  source  of  much  evil. 
Indeed,  the  youth  whose  mind  is  armed  with  the 
panoply  of  virtue,  even  though  as  poor  as  Laza 
rus,  shall  prove  a  blessing  to  the  world,  while  the 
child  of  affluence,  without  this  shield,  lives  un 
known,  and  retires  to  the  dust  unlamented  and 
forgotten.  Far  more  to  be  desired,  is  the  humble, 
virtuous  mind,  than  the  proud  spirit  of  inglorious 
name  ;  and  true  beauty  and  excellence  are  seldom 
found  among  the  bigoted  and  vain. 

The  cottage  under  whose  roof  the  youthful  days 
of  Calliste  had  been  spent  so  pleasantly,  presented 
a  peculiar  neatness  in  arrangement,  a  beauty 
in  simplicity,  which  excites  the  admiration  of  the 


28  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

beholder,  and  speaks  volumes  for  the  humble  oc 
cupants.  The  house,  the  garden,  and  the  field, 
alike  displayed  the  rural  taste  and  simplicity  of 
their  owner. 

Though  poor  and  humble,  Mr.  Barton  and  his 
amiable  companion  were  universally  respected. 
Their  exemplary  life  and  consistent  walk,  rendered 
them  not  only  beloved  by,  but  ornaments  to  the 
church.  Kind  arid  obliging  at  all  times,  they 
were  the  friends  of  suffering  humanity,  and  their 
deeds  were  such  as  active  benevolence  prompts  — 
acts  not  stimulated  by  hopes  of  reward,  but  from 
consciousness  of  duty  and  good-will.  Such  was 
the  character  of  the  parents  of  Calliste  ;  and  such 
parents  are  more  valuable,  by  their  precepts  and 
examples,  to  the  rising  generation,  than  all  the 
titles  which  fame  can  bestow,  and  all  the  wealth 
a  world  affords.  The  latter,  influence  the  young 
and  tender  mind  in  favor  of  immorality  ;  the  for 
mer,  prepare  the  soul  for  future  happiness,  and 
their  influence  is  more  valuable  to  the  world  than 
all  the  gifts  which  the  proud  minions  of  wealth 
can  bestow  upon  their  children.  Such  is  the 
home  of  true  worth,  even  as  the  gem  is  found  in 
the  seclusion  of  the  caves  of  the  mountain.  And 
we  venture  to  say,  that  more  stars  of  the  first 
magnitude,  on  the  scroll  of  the  world's  true  nobil 
ity,  have  risen  from  obscurity,  than  ever  had  their 
birth  in  costly  palaces,  and  the  mansions  of  the 
great ;  and  these  stars  shall  continue  to  shine, 
when  the  meteor  flame  of  titled  nobility  shall  be 
consigned  to  oblivion. 


GARDE Z    LA    CffiUR.  29 

In  the  education  of  their  children,  these  worthy 
parents  had  spared  no  pains,  so  far  as  their  hum 
ble  means  would  allow  ;  and  one  great  and  impor 
tant  object  they  constantly  kept  in  view  was,  the 
religious  training  of  their  minds.  This  was  the 
chief  aim  of  their  instructions,  —  the  preparation 
of  their  children  for  a  life  of  usefulness  and  hap 
piness  here,  and  salvation  in  the  future  state. 

O,  that  parents  would  not  forget  their  respon 
sibility  in  relation  to  the  high  trust  committed  to 
them  !  What  is  their  duty  ?  What  parent  would 
wish  to  neglect  those  lessons  of  instruction  in  early 
life,  the  neglect  of  which  would  prove  the  eternal 
ruin  of  a  beloved  child  ?  And  yet  how  many  are 
unmindful  of  the  duties  devolving  upon  them, 
while  their  influence  is  most  potent  in  its  agency, 
and  suffer  their  children  to  go  forth  into  the  wide 
world,  without  the  palladium  of  virtuous  princi 
ples  as  a  defence,  and  with  no  guide  but  their 
own  impulses !  And  how  fearful  the  consequen 
ces  of  such  a  course  ! 

But  not  only  to  discharge  their  duty  towards 
their  offspring,  but  with  a  regard  to  their  future 
good,  did  these  pious  parents  strive  to  instruct 
their  children  in  these  essential  principles ;  and 
the  result  of  that  instruction  alone,  could  prepare 
Calliste  to  encounter  the  vicissitudes  and  dangers 
of  a  city  life.  And  that  a  mind  adorned  with  the 
graces  of  virtue  and  religion,  shines  conspicuously 
and  with  true  beauty  in  society,  no  one  can  deny  ; 
for  daily  observation  teaches  us  that  we  may  find 
in  the  humble  and  unpretending  mind  those  ac- 


30  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

complishments  so  desirable,  which  cannot  be  found 
in  the  gay  and  fashionable  ranks  of  society. 

There  is,  indeed,  true  beauty  in  Humanity  ;  and 
this  garment  becomes  every  one,  for  though  this 
favorite  grace  of  virtue,  the  light  of  every  other 
accomplishment,  shines  with  brighter  lustre,  we 
love  the  unpretending  and  unobtrusive  violet,  not 
so  much  for  its  superior  beauty  over  other  flow 
ers,  but  as  an  emblem  of  an  accomplishment  that 
is  the  immediate  jewel  of  our  hearts  —  whose  radi- 
ence  beautifies  every  other  grace  —  it  is  humility. 
This  grace,  so  conspicuous  in  the  character  of  the 
parents,  was  not  less  so  in  the  mind  of  Calliste, 
and  to  this  source  may  be  traced  her  pre-eminence 
for  intellectual  worth. 

This  ever  proves  a  gem  serene, 
Still  loved  the  more,  the  more  't  is  seen  ; 
And  in  the  halo  of  its  flame, 
All  other  graces  find  a  name  — 
A  name  to  live  when  pride  shall  die, 
And  royalty  forgotten  lie  ; 
This,  ever  still  the  same  shall  be  — 
^  Gem  of  the  heart,  —  Humility. 

Indeed,  surrounded  by  such  scenes,  and  in  a 
rural  seclusion  which  furnished  so  many  lessons 
in  the  changes  of  Nature,  and  being  blessed  with 
so  excellent  precepts  and  examples,  from  a  source 
which  of  all  others  is  calculated  to  gain  attention, 
we  may  justly  suppose  that  the  mind  of  Calliste, 
though  still  young  and  highly  susceptible,  was  far 
better  prepared  for  the  active  scenes  and  vicissi 
tudes  of  life,  than  those  whose  passions  are  un 
restrained,  and  who  are  not  blessed  with  that 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  31 

salutary  and  hallowed  influence,  which  flows  from 
paternal  love  and  solicitude.  We  may  anticipate, 
indeed,  in  a  great  measure,  the  future  character  of 
the  mind,  from  the  nature  of  the  early  impres 
sions  which  that  mind  receives  —  for  it  will  re 
ceive  impressions  of  some  kind  very  early  in  life. 
How  important  that  they  be  of  the  right  kind  ? 

But  to  return  from  our  digression,  which  we 
trust  the  reader  will  pardon.  Such  was  the  home 
of  Calliste,  which  she  had  left ;  and  who  will  be 
surprised,  if,  on  leaving  the  scenes  of  her  child 
hood,  and  the  tender  associations  of  such  a  home, 
she  had,  from  an  overflowing  heart,  suffered  the 
tear  to  fall  upon  her  fair  cheek  at  the  separation  ? 
The  stranger  can  feel  none  of  that  deep  sympathy 
for  a  fellow  being  that  characterizes  the  hearts  of 
kindred  spirits,  though  benevolence,  and  what  the 
world  calls  sympathy,  come  to  our  relief  in  the 
hour  of  trial.  And,  however  humble,  home  is 
dear  to  us,  though  its  value  is  never  sufficiently 
realized  until  we  are  deprived  of  it,  and  find  our 
selves  surrounded  by  strangers.  Then,  all  those 
scenes  so  dear  to  our  hearts,  rush  upon  the  mind, 
and  cause  the  dim  cloud  of  sorrow  to  overshadow 
every  pleasure,  and  transform  it  into  pain.  With 
home,  we  have  very  many  blessings.  No  friendly 
admonition  will  the  stranger  give  us, —  no  warning 
voice  do  we  hear  from  those  whose  chief  aim  is 
self-interest ;  and  when  sickness  comes,  no  tender 
mother,  like  a  guardian  angel,  is  at  hand  to  soothe 
each  sorrow,  and  relieve  each  bitter  pang.  O ! 
ye  who  are  blessed  with  a  home,  however  humble 


32  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

your  lot,  forget  not  that  you  cannot  be  too  grate 
ful  for  the  blessings  you  enjoy,  or  prize  them  too 
highly  ;  for  never  can  you  know  their  value,  till 
thrown  in  the  midst  of  new  associates,  with  none 
to  care  for  your  welfare,  or  protect  you  from  the 
dangers  which  surround  the  young,  especially  the 
unsophisticated  and  confiding.  For, 

Too  oft,  alas  !  the  smile  allures, 

And  flattery,  a  curse  ensures ; 

Too  oft  is  confidence  betrayed, 

To  land  a  victim  in  the  shade  ! 

And  false  Deceit,  with  Love's  young  trust, 

Tramples  the  flowret  in  the  dust ! 


CHAPTER   IV. 


Why,  when  the  world  is  locked  in  sleep, 
Should  this  pale  student  vigils  keep? 
To  study  thus,  why  should  he  care  ? 
A  sister's  love  had  placed  him  there. 

IT  was  the  silent  hour  of  midnight,  late  in 
autumn.  The  shrill  blast  whistled  around  the 
cottage,  playing  a  lively  jig  with  loose  shingles  on 
the  roof,  and  anon  moaning,  as  if  repenting  of  the 
results  of  its  fearful  mission.  A  thick  veil  of 
clouds  hung  over  the  scene,  and  a  deluge  of  rain, 
mingled  with  sleet,  fell  in  fearful  rapidity  upon  the 
frozen  carpet  of  earth,  and  at  that  time,  when, 
save  the  commotion  of  the  elements,  all  was  silent 
as  the  sub-marine  cavern,  the  clock  upon  the  an 
cient  dome  pealed  the  hour.  Locked  in  slumber, 
all,  save  the  minds  which  can  appreciate  the  value 
of  the  "  noon  of  thought,"  were  enjoying  their 
repose.  We  say  all, —  all  save  the  children  of 
want,  or  those  who  love  the  vigils  of  silence.  But 
the  location  of  this  scene,  and  the  cottage  of 
which  we  have  spoken,  was  not  the  one  already 
noticed,  but  far  distant  from  it.  The  village  wide 
ly  contrasted  with  the  seclusion  of  rural  life. 
Those  ancient  domes  and  halls  of  learning,  con- 


t)4  THE  FACTORY  GIRL,   OR 

nected  as  they  are  with  many  venerable  names, 
furnished  associations  of  thought,  far  from  disa 
greeable.  Then  did  the  past,  with  all  its  scenes 
so  transitory,  rush  upon  the  memory,  furnishing 
in  every  scene  its  incidents  of  interest,  and  the 
mind  held  converse  with  each  fond  hope,  and 
each  sacred  emotion,  that  sways  the  heart  of  the 
truly  virtuous.  This  is  the  sweet  hour  of  contem 
plation,  and  the  favorable  time  for  reflection,  med 
itation  and  self-examination,  or  the  pursuit  of  each 
hidden  germ  of  knowledge,  among  the  pages  of 
cumbrous  volumes. 

Dimly  burned  the  lamp  upon  a  small  table,  be 
side  which  sat  a  student,  poring  over  the  dusty 
pages  of  a  large  book,  which  appeared  to  be  as 
ancient  as  the  original  manuscript  of  the  Philippics 
of  the  Athenian  orator,  but  which,  nevertheless, 
seemed  to  prove  interesting.  It  was  a  small  apart 
ment,  and  though  furnished  in  a  comfortable  man 
ner,  there  was  plainly  a  deficiency  in  the  articles  of 
furniture  usually  found  in  the  student's  room. 
The  occupant  was  apparently  young,  though  his 
pale  countenance  indicated  a  delicate  constitution, 
and  perhaps  ill  health.  A  fine  classic  brow,  and 
an  agreeable  expression  would  have  attracted  your 
attention,  and  the  illuminations  of  the  intellect 
were  radiated  from  eyes  flashing  the  eloquence  of 
a  noble  soul.  Hard  study  might  have  driven  the 
flush  from  his  cheek,  but  a  studious  thoughtful- 
ness  expressed  itself  as  having  taken  the  place 
once  occupied  by  the  vivacity  of  youth.  Mental 
labor,  almost  invariably,  if  constantly  persisted  in, 


GARDEZ  LA  CCEUR.  35 

will  transform  the  countenance  from  the  glow  of 
youth  to  the  placid  and  grave  paleness  which 
characterizes  students.  This  had  apparently  been 
the  case  with  this  young  student  —  for,  that  he  was 
young,  you  would  have  at  once  opined,  though 
he  appeared  perhaps  older  than  he  actually  was. 
He  had  closed  the  book,  and  seemed  to  be  wrapt 
in  meditation,  for  a  few  moments,  until,  being 
admonished  by  the  clock  again  as  it  tolled  one,  he 
prepared  to  retire  to  rest,  after  his  private  devo 
tions.  Such  is  the  life  of  the  student  from  day 
to  day.  His  lessons  will  be  required,  and  he  must 
prepare  himself  accordingly.  And  to  those  who 
are  prompted  by  a  spirit  of  laudable  emulation,  it 
is  a  pleasure,  even,  to  trim  the  midnight  lamp, 
that  they  may  gain  the  laurels  of  literary  fame, 
though  it  may  cost  much  exertion  and  self-denial. 
And  who  was  the  student  thus  unceremoniously 
introduced  ?  our  readers  will  very  naturally  in 
quire.  It  was  EDWIN  BARTON,  the  brother  of 
Calliste,  of  whom  we  have  spoken  before  —  the 
only  brother  of  the  young  Factory  Girl.  He  was 
in  college,  pursuing  his  studies,  preparatory  to  his 
professional  education.  But  how  came  he  there  ? 
you  may  inquire  —  and  now  we  come  to  the  first 
corner  of  our  narrative.  A  sister's  love  placed  him 
there  —  and  this  was  the  grand  object  that  caused 
Calliste  to  leave  her  home,  and  all  dear  to  her,  to 
take  upon  herself  voluntarily,  the  duties  in  which 
she  had  engaged.  A  Factory  Girl  placed  him 
there  —  paid  his  expenses  mostly,  preparatory  to 
entering,  and  now  sustained  him,  save  what  his 


OD  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,   OR 

precarious  health  enabled  him  to  acquire  by  teach 
ing.  For  this  had  Calliste  ardently  wished.  She 
now  saw  him  a  sophomore  in  college,  he  having 
entered  one  year  in  advance.  Encouraged  by  his 
proficiency,  she  was  prepared  to  make  any  sacri 
fices  in  her  power  to  accomplish  her  cherished  en 
terprise. 

And  has  not  the  Factory  Girl  a  noble  spirit, 
we  ask,  who  labors  thus  for  the  good  of  others  — 
denying  herself  the  pleasures  and  luxuries  of  life, 
to  accomplish  the  great  object  to  which  she  has 
devoted  her  attention,  her  time,  her  talents,  and 
the  labor  of  her  hands?  Are  not  such  worthy  of 
our  highest  praise  and  our  most  profound  respect  ? 
And  this  is  only  an  isolated  case,  one  among 
thousands  of  a  similar  character  which  are  yearly 
transpiring.  But  we  shall  revert  to  this  subject 
again,  in  a  more  extended  and  detailed  manner. 

But  we  propose,  in  few  words,  to  notice  the 
character  and  circumstances  of  the  young  student, 
as  we  think  it  not  foreign  to  our  subject,  and  we 
ask  the  indulgence  of  our  readers  while  we  show 
them,  thus  far,  the  results  of  the  enterprise  of 
Calliste. 

From  his  early  years,  Edwin  Barton  had  never 
enjoyed  firm  health,  but  a  naturally  delicate  con 
stitution  was  more  the  cause,  than  any  particular 
disease.  He  had  early  developed  the  elements  of 
a  strong  mind,  and  genius  fired  his  eye.  He  had 
enjoyed  those  privileges  which  are  afforded  by  an 
invaluable  system  of  common  schools,  and  had 
made  rapid  progress  in  his  studies.  He  was  natu- 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  37 

rally  inclined  to  a  thoughtful  disposition,  and  this 
was  strikingly  developed  at  an  early  age.  Though 
cheerful  at  all  times,  he  had  not  that  peculiar  vi 
vacity  which  is  usually  seen  in  the  young.  But 
perhaps  he  had  formed  his  manners  and  habits, 
in  some  degree,  according  to  the  precepts  and  ex 
amples  of  his  pious  parents.  This  was  natural. 
Indeed,  at  the  time  of  his  leaving  the  common 
school,  he  had  laid  a  good  foundation  for  future 
literary  excellence.  He  was  called  a  good  scholar, 
and  his  studious  habits  were  highly  and  justly 
commended.  His  character  was  strictly  virtuous, 
and  at  an  early  age,  together  with  Calliste,  he 
made  a  public  profession  of  religion,  and  united 
with  the  church  of  which  his  parents  were  worthy 
members.  He  was  younger  than  Calliste,  but  at 
the  age  of  only  fifteen,  he  was  not  only  a  good 
scholar,  but  his  mind  was  guarded  by  the  strong 
est  of  all  shields  —  that  of  Virtue  and  Religion. 
Thus  was  he  prepared  to  run  his  future  race  —  to 
prove  an  ornament  to  society,  and  a  blessing  to 
the  world.  He  promised  fair  for  usefulness,  by 
his  daily  life,  and  was  a  favorite  among  those  who 
can  duly  appreciate  the  talents  and  worth  of  those 
who  rise  from  obscurity,  and  put  on  the  mantle 
of  true  excellence,  by  humble  and  indefatigable 
effort. 

Though  Edwin  had  never  expressed  his  desire 
to  become  educated  for  professional  life,  yet  he 
had  secretly  indulged  a  wish  to  that  effect ;  but 
considering  the  pecuniary  circumstances  of  his 
parents,  and  his  own  delicate  health,  he  had  al- 


38  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

most  despaired  of  ever  accomplishing  his  object, 
until,  in  a  happy  moment,  his  sister  formed  her 
plan,  communicated  her  scheme  to  her  parents, 
and  finally  to  him. 

The  proposal,  so  unexpected  as  to  seem  almost 
an  interposition  of  Providence  in  his  behalf,  arous 
ed  his  soul,  and  imparted  new  life,  as  it  were,  to 
his  spirits.  Had  a  fortune  opened  its  treasures  to 
him,  he  would  not  have  been  more  elated.  A 
new  world  opened  to  him  —  new  prospects  cheered 
him,  and  with  all  the  ardor  of  youthful  anticipa 
tion,  did  she  await  the  time  that  should  find  him 
a  student  in  the  halls  of  science,  open  for  his  free 
labors  in  the  acquisition  of  knowledge.  That 
time  came,  and  with  it,  the  realization  of  her 
anticipations.  His  advancement  in  his  prepara 
tory  course  was  rapid,  and  he  had  sustained  an 
enviable  position  in  his  class,  up  to  the  time  we 
have  introduced  him  to  the  reader.  He  was  re 
spected  and  beloved  for  his  mild  and  courteous 
manners,  as  well  as  for  his  virtuous  character  and 
exemplary  life.  He  was  ambitious;  —  and  who 
would  not  be,  when  gratitude  prompts  them  to 
diligence,  and  the  faithful  discharge  of  duty  ? 
He  was  ambitious  to  win  rich  laurels  to  cast  at 
the  feet  of  that  beloved  sister,  through  whose 
agency  he  was  enabled  to  pursue  his  studies. 
He  had  no  enemies,  save  those  who  were  rivals, 
and  even  they  admired  his  talents  and  his  charac 
ter,  though  they  were  mortified,  perhaps,  to  own 
that  a  star,  rising  from  obscurity,  could  outshine 
those  to  whom  the  impetus  of  wealth  had  given 
every  advantage  in  its  power. 


GARDE Z    LA    CffiUR.  39 

For  this  object,  kind  reader  —  the  education  of 
a  beloved  brother  —  did  Calliste  become  a  Factory 
Girl  •  and  how  many,  of  that  highly  respectable 
class,  have  some  kindred  object  in  view,  to  sweet 
en  their  labor  and  prompt  them  to  action !  Very 
many  we  well  know,  and  this  case  is  but  a  sample 
of  a  multitude,  whose  history  we  could  give  had 
we  time  and  ability.  And  should  such  meritori 
ous  acts  be  forgotten  because  they  are  the  works 
of  an  humble  operative,  while  those  infinitely  less 
worthy  are  trumpeted  to  the  four  corners  of  the 
earth  ?  God  forbid  !  Let  true  merit  have  its  re 
ward  ;  and  to  this  end  is  this  humble  volume 
written. 

How  invaluable  a  sister's  love  !  How  pure  and 
ardent  is  that  flame  which  time  nor  space  can  ex 
tinguish!  Such  was  the  flame  that  roused  the 
humble  and  virtuous  Calliste  to  action.  And  what 
was  the  result  ?  The  succeeding  pages  shall  tell 
a  part,  and  eternity  shall  reveal  its  consummation ! 
Forget  not,  ye  proud  and  aristocratic  spirits,  who 
consider  the  humble  operative  beneath  your  no 
tice  —  forgot  not,  we  say,  that  the  gem  will  shine 
in  its  true  brilliancy,  though  it  eclipse  the  meteor 
light  of  your  own  gaudy  colors,  which  shine  only 
by  the  reflection  of  the  gold  in  your  coffers.  You 
shall  witness  an  hour  in  which  shall  appear,  from 
the  humble  spirits  of  those  whom  you  would  fain 
consider  as  unworthy  to  approach  your  presence, 
more  immortal  beauties  upon  the  scroll  of  virtue 
than  were  ever  recorded  of  your  host  of  renowned 
ancestry,  with  your  own  added  to  the  list.  True 


40  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

beauty  and  excellence  will  appear,  though  neg 
lected  by  those  unworthy  to  bear  it  company. 
Though  hidden  in  obscurity  here,  it  shall  rise  in 
majesty,  when  truth  and  virtue  meet  their  just 
reward. 


CHAPTER   V. 


She  moved  in  loveliness,  which  few 
Thus  falling  to  their  lot,  can  find  ; 

And  ev'ry  grace  its  beauty  drew, 
From  the  rich  fountain  of  the  Mind  ! 

THERE  is  no  season  of  life  so  deeply  fraught 
with  interest,  as  that  of  youth.  As  the  opening 
bud,  truly  beautiful,  and  bearing  the  emblem  of 
innocence  in  itself,  promises  in  expanding,  to  pre 
sent  all  the  brilliant  and  gorgeous  colors  and  tints 
of  the  full  blown  flower,  provided  the  harsh  storm 
defaces  not  its  beauty,  and  stops  not  its  progress 
by  the  hand  of  destruction,  —  so  youth,  in  its 
rise  to  maturity,  is  peculiarly  interesting.  We 
admire  the  expanding  intellect,  rendered  more 
beautiful  by  the  seal  of  innocence  and  purity,  and 
our  hopes  are  mingled  with  fears,  when  we  reflect 
how  precarious  is  this  season,  and  how  many  dan 
gers  lurk  in  ambush  to  blast  the  highest  expecta 
tions,  which  have  been  cherished  in  our  bosoms, 
for  those  thus  situated.  All  who  are  well  ac 
quainted  with  human  nature,  whenever  a  brilliant 
intellect,  and  superior  beauty  arises,  to  take  its 
place  among  those  of  every  name  and  character, 
3 


42  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

in  the  grand  drama  of  life,  ever  fear,  lest  by  a  false 
step  that  star  should  fall  from  its  high  eminence, 
and  show  the  frailty  of  humanity  in  its  ruin.  But 
there  is  one  peculiar  gem,  the  light  of  whose  ra 
diance  we  readily  recognize,  and  whose  appearance 
we  hail  with  pleasure,  and  that  is  the  Virtuous 
Mind,  —  the  mind  shielded  against  harm,  and  in 
vulnerable  to  the  shafts  of  every  foe.  And  such 
alone  are  prepared  to  encounter  the  dangers  which 
await  those,  upon  whom  Nature  has  lavished  her 
charms  ;  for  the  fairest  star  is  the  one  upon  which 
the  batteries  of  flattery  and  deceit  will  be  opened, 
arid  these  are  the  infernal  machines  of  the  corrupt 
heart,  by  which  its  ignoble  conquests  are  achieved. 

Such  a  star  was  Calliste.  In  all  the  buoyancy 
of  hope,  and  possessing  all  those  charms  which 
will  ever  attract  the  eye  and  the  heart,  she  took  her 
place  upon  the  stage  of  action,  at  the  tender  age 
of  sixteen.  And  shall  we  attempt  a  description  of 
her  mental  and  personal  attractions  ?  We  will 
try,  though  our  feeble  pen.  must  fail  to  paint  one 
of  the  favorites  of  Nature  and  Virtue  in  true  col 
ors.  But  it  is  our  delight  to  dwell  upon  the 
charms  of  real  worth. 

The  personal  charms  of  Calliste  would  have 
graced  the  palace  of  nobility.  Like  the  flowret 
from  the  woodland  shade,  she  possessed  those 
rare  beauties  which  are  seldom  or  never  found, 
save  in  the  rural  seclusion  among  the  works  of 
nature.  Her  constitution,  though  naturally  deli 
cate,  was  none  of  your  languid,  counterfeited, 
nervous  make,  by  so  many  considered  a  desidera- 


GARDEZ    LA    CGSUR.  43 

turn.  She  moved  with  all  that  grace  and  ease, 
that  had  caused  many  a  rough,  yet  noble-hearted 
swain,  to  sigh  involuntarily,  as  she  tripped  lightly 
over  her  native  hills  and  vales,  in  quest  of  some 
favorite  flower.  None  of  your  artificial  or  studied 
movements  characterized  her,  for  she  had  learned 
to  dance  only  on  the  flowery  carpet  of  her  native 
soil.  Her  clear,  shrill  voice,  resounded  as  tuned 
by  nature,  without  affectation,  and  her  mild,  blue 
eyes,  shone  as  with  heaven's  own  lustre,  when  the 
stars  lend  each  its  radiance.  So  the  stars  of  in 
tellectual  beauty  lighted  her  eyes  with  a  peculiar 
brilliancy.  The  smile  of  beauty  played  upon  her 
rose-tinted  cheeks,  and  health  and  vivacity  were 
marked  upon  her  every  feature.  Her  silken  tresses 
flowed  in  graceful  profusion  upon  her  neck,  and 
as  her  countenance  put  on  one  of  those  rich  smiles, 
at  once  betokening  innocence  and  benignity,  you 
would  have  loved  her  —  or,  at  least,  you  would 
have  admired  the  graceful  simplicity  which  char 
acterized  her  every  movement. 

But,  notwithstanding  the  personal  beauty  of 
Calliste  was  indeed  rare,  and  particularly  attractive 
from  its  honest  simplicity,  yet  the  gems  of  intel 
lectual  worth,  and  the  graces  of  the  heart,  which 
she  possessed,  were  of  infinitely  more  value.  What 
though  her  dress  was  plain,  and  her  manners 
unobtrusive?  What  though  she  was  born  in  a 
humble  cottage,  in  the  rural  seclusion  which  we 
have  described?  What  though  the  smiles  of  for 
tune  never  were  lent  to  her?  What  though  she 
could  boast  no  renowned  ancestry  ?  Were  not 


44  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

her  intellectual  and  moral  qualities  of  the  same 
value,  as  if  she  had  been  the  favorite  of  fortune  ? 
Was  she  not  still  an  object  of  love,  admiration, 
and  respect  ? 

Can  Fortune  make  thee  truly  great, 
And  turn  from  thee  the  shafts  of  fate  ? 
Go,  ask  the  pages  of  the  past, 
If  wealth  and  pride  for  ever  last ! 

What  charm  shall  live  when  these  are  not, 

And  earth  itself  shall  be  forgot  ? 

To  immortality  incline 

The  beauties  of  a  virtuous  mind. 

These,  these  shall  tell  upon  the  page, 
That  will  survive  through  every  age ; 
These  are  the  gems  to  mortals  given, 
To  light  the  earth,  and  shine  in  heaven  ! 

We  have  said  that  the  mind  of  Calliste  was  pe 
culiarly  attractive,  as  those  ornaments,  which  shine 
conspicuously,  especially  in  the  female  charac 
ter,  and  more  particularly  in  the  young,  were  de 
veloped  from  day  to  day,  as  occasions  presented 
themselves  to  call  them  into  exercise ;  for,  indeed. 
we  cannot  analyze  the  mind,  except  by  the  crite 
rion  of  its  works,  and  of  course,  as  new  occasion? 
presented  themselves  to  call  them  into  action,  new 
faculties,  and  consequently,  new  beauties  were 
developed,  as  we  shall  see  as  we  proceed  to  the 
several  scenes  before  us  for  description. 

Though  without  those  advantages  for  acquiring 
an  education,  which  very  many  enjoy,  Calliste  had 
not  neglected  the  cultivation  of  her  mind.  She 
was  a  very  good  scholar,  such  was  the  improve- 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  45 

ment  she  had  made  of  every  advantage  offered 
her,  for  acquiring  knowledge.  She  had,  by  read 
ing,  stored  her  mind  with  an  extensive  fund  of 
information.  A  book  was  her  constant  compan 
ion,  when  no  duty  demanded  her  attention.  At 
times,  she  could  hardly  stifle  the  wish  for  more 
ample  opportunities  for  mental  improvement,  but 
she  preferred  her  brother's  happiness  to  her  own, 
and  was  willing  to  sacrifice  her  own,  to  secure  the 
means  of  promoting  it.  And  this  was  the  fruit 
of  a  sister's  love.  The  law  of  kindness  seemed 
to  have  been  engraven  upon  her  heart ;  and  for 
this  trait  of  character,  so  much  loved  by  all  - 
though  not  a  characteristic  of  all  —  was  she  gen 
erally  beloved. 

All  the  virtues,  that  adorn  the  human  mind, 
shone,  with  greater  or  less  brilliancy,  in  the  mind 
of  Calliste  ;  and  in  saying  this,  we  do  not  pretend 
to  say  that  she  was  perfect.  No ;  she  had  her 
failings,  and  who,  indeed,  has  not  ?  We  might 
go  on  to  enumerate  very  many  of  her  intellectual 
beauties,  but  they  will  be  seen  in  their  works  as 
we  proceed.  We  may,  however,  notice  one  or 
two  in  this  place,  as  particularly  necessary,  and 
which  cannot  be  too  highly  appreciated.  An 
acute  sense  of  propriety,  was  one  ;  and  the  impor 
tance  of  this  trait  of  character  will  appear  evident 
to  all.  To  this  she  added  decision  of  character; 
and  this,  too,  will  be  understood,  and  its  value, 
we  trust,  duly  appreciated.  A  strict  regard  for 
morality  and  truth,  will  comprehend  many  other 
virtues  we  might  name.  And  without  these  prin- 


46  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

ciples,  what  individual  is  free  from  danger,  among 
the  shoals  and  quicksands  which  threaten  ship 
wreck  and  destruction,  even  to  those  thus  forti 
fied  ? 

And  this  was  the  amiable,  lovely  being,  who 
had  won  the  affections  of  Marcus  Hartwell.  Who 
would  pretend  to  say  that  she  was  not  a  jewel, 
worthy  to  grace  the  bosom  of  any  truly  virtuous 
and  worthy  person  ?  Yet  there  were  those,  as 
we  shall  see,  who,  simply  because  she  was  a  poor 
Factory  Girl,  considered  her  as  unworthy  to 
associate,  even,  with  the  fashionable  —  a  name, 
by  the  way,  which,  were  the  world  right  side  up, 
would  represent  a  very  worthless  class  of  society. 

Misguided  minds  ! 

Perverted  intellects  !   who  value  more 
The  glittering  bauble  of  a  single  day, 
Than  that  rich  gem  which  Virtue,  in  her  pride, 
Renders  immortal  ! 

Can  the  human  heart 

Cherish  the  thought  that  nought  is  beautiful, 
But  what  finds  birth  within  a  noble  name  — 
That  nought  is  real  worth  but  what  is  found 
Encased  in  gold,  or  shining  by  the  light 
Of  ancestry,  long  since  within  the  tomb, 
Resting  in  silence? 

Then  indeed  we  say, 

Theirs  is  a  narrow  soul ;  too  mean  by  far 
To  wear  the  human  form,  or  bear  the  name 
By  which  are  known  those  beauties  true  and  rare, 
That  in  a  mild  yet  brilliant  halo  shine, 
To  bless  the  earth  ! 

What  is  a  name,  we  ask,  which  can  claim  no 
deed  to  render  it  worthy  of  respect  or  esteem  ? 
And  is  the  rake  or  villain  any  better,  though  he 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  47 

may  have  inherited  a  little  dust  from  those  long 
numbered  with  the  dead  ?  Can  renowned  ances 
try  secure  for  us  a  place  upon  the  scroll  of  virtue, 
or  in  the  memory  of  her  votaries  ?  If  not,  where 
is  its  value  ?  Noble  deeds,  only,  and  a  consistent 
life,  can  secure  to  us  true  fame  ;  and  when  the 
names  of  the  wealthy  rake  and  genteel  villain 
shall  be  forgotten,  the  humble  and  virtuous  child 
of  poverty  shall  receive  a  reward  in  the  grateful 
remembrance  of  generations  yet  unborn,  for  labors 
not  now  recognized. 

Such  was  the  character  of  this  Factory  Girl  ; 
and  in  this  description  we  find  one  applicable  to 
very  many  of  that  numerous  and  respectable  class 
—  a  class,  by  the  way,  possessing  far  more  intel 
lectual  and  moral  qualifications  than  is  generally 
supposed.  In  times  past,  no  one  even  thought  of 
looking  for  the  works  of  "  Mind  among  the  Spin 
dles,"  but  now,  in  New  England  especially,  the 
spell  is  broken.  Even  the  literary  world  now 
gathers  gems  from  obscurity  —  gems  of  thought, 
that  would  grace  the  pages  of  the  most  classic 
writers. 

'Tis  not  the  pen  in  learning's  hand, 
That  can  the  secret  heart  command, 
But  such  as  from  simplicity 
A  lesson  learns  to  bring  to  thee. 

Such  as  can  tell,  in  humble  strains, 
Of  what  to  daily  life  pertains  ; 
Each  line  a  truth,  devoid  of  art  — 
This,  this,  we  say,  can  touch  the  heart ! 


48  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

What  class  in  society  are  more  worthy  of  re 
spect,  than  those  who,  by  the  daily  labor  of  their 
hands,  gain  an  honorable  livelihood,  and  secure 
to  themselves  the  means  of  cultivating  their  minds 
—  thus  preparing  themselves  for  future  usefulness 
and  a  happy  life,  whether  "  among  the  spindles," 
in  the  farm-house,  or  in  the  parlor?  We  all  be 
long  to  the  same  common  family,  pursuing,  each, 
our  particular  vocation.  Wherein,  we  ask,  is  one 
better  than  another,  save  by  the  possession  of 
those  gems  of  true  value  —  the  virtues  —  which 
others  do  not  prize  ?  We  are  all  human.  We 
have  each  our  failings ;  but  happy,  truly  happy, 
is  that  mind  which  has  the  most  real  beauties  and 
the  least  defects.  And  let  us  consider,  that 
whether  we  dwell  in  the  palace,  or  the  humble 
cottage,  real  worth  alone  can  make  us  truly  great, 
and  entitle  us  to  a  blissful  immortality. 


CHAPTER    VI. 


A  real  friend, 

Is  a  rich  jewel  to  the  virtuous  heart, 
Than  which  earth  knows  no  dearer. 

Such  an  one, 

Truly  is  worthy  of  our  confidence, 
And  such  alone. 

WE  left  Calliste  at  her  new  residence,  in  the 
midst  of  the  "  City  of  Spindles."  Though  the 
hum  of  business  was  new  to  her,  yet  she  soon  be 
came  accustomed  to  it,  and  her  daily  labors  were 
less  and  less  irksome.  With  a  light  heart  and 
determined  purpose,  she  labored  in  her  new  occu 
pation  ;  and  though  bright  visions  of  home — that 
happy  home  among  the  hills — would  occasionally 
flit  across  her  mind,  yet  she  was  happy  in  the 
thought  of  the  high  and  holy  object,  which  she 
kept  constantly  in  view,  and  which  sweetened  the 
toil  of  the  live-long  day.  For  a  season,  she  was 
seemingly  alone,  or  among  entire  strangers,  but 
as  she  became  acquainted  with  many  different 
characters,  she  found  herself  again  in  me  midst  of 
friends,  or  at  least  those  who  professed  friendship; 
The  confiding  heart  is  apt  to  rely  upon  the  fair 
appearances  of  strangers,  and  often,  yea,  too  often 


50  THE    FACTORy    GIRL,    OR 

does  it  find  that  confidence  misplaced,  where  in 
deed,  it  had  least  suspected  it. 

Confidence  ever  should  be  "a  plant  of  slow 
growth,"  for  when  misplaced,  even  but  once,  it 
may  find  an  inextricable  snare,  and  prove  the  ruin 
of  the  innocent.  Among  strangers,  it  is  safe  to 
consider  well,  before  we  confide  the  arcana  of  the 
heart  upon  an  uncertainty.  True,  we  may  find 
those  worthy  of  our  friendship  and  entire  confi 
dence  in  all  places ;  but  so  extensive  is  the  coun 
terfeit,  that  it  is  unsafe  to  trust  any  one  with  our 
full  and  unreserved  confidence,  upon  a  short  and 
limited  acquaintance.  The  guileless  heart,  though 
presuming  others  equally  pure  and  unsophisticated, 
will  find  that  appearances  are  deceitful,  and  that 
poison  may  lurk  in  apparent  innocence. 

We  have  said  that  Calliste  soon  found  herself 
surrounded  by  friends ;  and  true,  she  did  :  but 
those  lessons  enforced  upon  her  mind  by  a  tender 
and  anxious  mother,  were  not  forgotten.  Though 
she  had  seen  but  little  of  the  world,  and  knew  by 
experience  but  little  of  human  nature,  yet  she  had 
learned  many  lessons  which  now  were  of  infinite 
importance  to  her.  Though  she  was  a  friend  to 
all,  yet  she  reserved  her  confidence  to  be  placed 
alone  upon  those,  whom  time  should  prove  worthy 
of  the  sacred  trust.  In  a  want  of  this  cautiousness, 
lies  the  secret  of  the  destruction  of  many  a  noble 
soul,  that  falls  from  the  elevation  of  real  merit  and 
respect,  to  the  degradation  of  the  lowest  depths  of 
infamy.  A  single  deviation  from  the  path  of  rec 
titude,  may  cause  the  fairest  of  the  fair  to  sink, 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  51 

like  the  meteor,  into  oblivion,  and  be  forgotten. 
And  had  Calliste  no  difficulties  to  encounter  — 
no  dangers  to  shun  ?  Far  from  it,  as  we  shall  see 
ere  we  close  our  humble  narrative.  The  heart  of 
Calliste  was  inclined  to  a  warm  friendship,  and 
true  affection  was  the  life  of  her  soul.  She 
seemed  constituted  by  nature  to  love,  and  with  a 
free  and  open  heart  did  she  seem,  in  all  her 
beauty  and  purity,  an  ornament  to  her  sex.  But 
she  possessed  a  shield  to  protect  her,  exposed  as 
she  was,  and  the  palladium  of  Virtue  was  a  safe 
defence  to  her,  as  it  is  to  every  votary  at  the  shrine 
of  the  goddess,  whose  mission  it  is  to  guard  the 
beautiful,  the  gems  of  immortality,  from  harm,  and 
present  them  at  last  in  all  their  purity,  before  the 
"great  white  throne."  O!  how  beautiful,  how 
superlatively  excellent  that  gem  that  finds  no  cloud 
to  dim  its  light,  and  which  shall  increase  in  bril 
liancy  through  eternity ! 

The  family  in  which  Calliste  boarded  consisted 
of  a  widow  and  her  daughter,  and  a  few  boarders 
beside  herself.  The  widow  was  in  comfortable 
circumstances,  though  by  no  means  wealthy.  Her 
daughter  was,  also,  a  Factory  Girl.  With  this 
amiable  companion,  whom  we  shall  introduce  as 
LOUISA  ELLIOT,  Calliste  had  formed  her  first  ac 
quaintance  in  town,  and  happily,  she  found  one 
entirely  worthy  of  her  friendship  and  esteem;  and, 
as  was  natural,  Calliste  had,  in  process  of  time, 
become  so  intimately  attached  to  her  friend,  as  to 
consider  her  almost  a  sister. 

Louisa,  too,  was  young  and  accomplished,  and 


52  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

possessing  a  noble  and  well-cultivated  mind,  she 
readily  reciprocated  the  friendship  of  Calliste,  in 
whom  she  found,  at  all  times,  an  agreeable  friend 
and  companion. 

The  widow,  of  whom  we  have  spoken,  had  seen 
better  days.  She  was  the  wife  of  a  physician, 
and  at  his  death,  finding  herself  not  in  affluent 

circumstances,  she  concluded  to  remove  to  L ; 

and  by  taking  a  few  boarders  she  acquired  a  com 
petence,  without  infringing  upon  the  amount  of 
her  small  fortune. 

Happily,  indeed,  did  Calliste  secure  a  home  un 
der  the  roof  of  this  virtuous  family  ;  and  never 
did  she  forget  the  fortune  that  had  thus  favored 
her.  In  Mrs.  Elliot  she  found  at  all  times  a  faith 
ful  friend.  Often  did  she  think  of  her  own  dear 
mother,  and  compare  the  kindness  of  one  with 
the  other.  The  widow  was  indeed  a  mother  to 
Calliste,  and  the  gentle  and  beautiful  Louisa  was 
indeed  a  sister,  for  she  had  never  known  the  dif 
ference.  If  at  any  time  Calliste  was  indisposed, 
she  found  a  faithful  nurse  in  Mrs.  Elliot ;  and 
whenever  she  chanced  to  err,  the  same  admoni 
tion  awaited  her  that  would  have  been  given  to 
Louisa  under  similar  circumstances.  Such  a  friend 
is  more  valuable  to  the  young,  than  gold,  or  wealth 
in  any  transitory  form  ;  for  real  friends  will  tell 
us  of  our  faults,  and  give  us  such  advice  as  is 
salutary,  when  most  needed.  This  is  one  trait  of 
true  friendship. 

Louisa  was  an  only  daughter,  and  from  early- 
years  had  been  the  object  of  the  most  anxious 


GARDEZ    LA    C(£UR.  53 

care  and  affectionate  solicitude.  She  was  a  little 
older  than  Calliste,  and  her  heart  still  remained 
free.  She  was  well  educated,  and  her  mind  pos 
sessed  many  congenial  attributes  with  that  of  Cal 
liste.  An  amiable  disposition  rendered  her  an 
agreeable  friend,  and  in  process  of  time  an  attach 
ment  had  been  formed,  which  promised  to  prove 
valuable  to  both.  Mrs.  Elliot  noticed  with  pleas 
ure  the  mutual  fondness  between  Calliste  and  her 
daughter,  for  she  was  sufficiently  acquainted  with 
human  nature,  to  discern  between  a  truly  noble 
and  virtuous  mind,  and  one  of  the  opposite  char 
acter.  Accordingly,  she  treated  both  as  daughters, 
giving  them  advice  and  precepts,  for  which  her 
years  and  experience  rendered  her  amply  qualified. 
Thus  happily  situated,  with  a  light  heart,  did  she 
follow  the  notes  of  the  bell,  from  day  to  day,  ac 
companied  by  her  faithful  friend  and  constant 
companion.  And  did  she  associate  with  one,  to 
the  exclusion  of  all  others  ?  Most  certainly  not. 
She  found  many  congenial  spirits, — many  noble 
and  warm-hearted  beings,  to  gain  her  esteem  and 
admiration.  She  recognized  the  virtuous  heart, 
and  wherever  that  seal  graced  the  friendship  prof 
fered,  her  own  was  freely  given  in  return.  She 
was  a  favorite,  as  was  also  her  friend  Louisa, 
among  their  acquaintances.  And  thus  the  weeks 
and  months  rolled  away,  seemingly  with  an  accel 
erated  rapidity.  Calliste  was  happy  in  the  en 
joyment  of  those  privileges  which  were  offered  — 
her  task  was  rendered  sweet,  and  her  burden  light, 


54  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,     OR 

and  she  had  the  satisfaction,  thus  far,  of  accom 
plishing  her  high  and  important  object. 

One  valuable  privilege  did  Calliste  enjoy  in  her 
new  location,  which  her  own  home  did  not  furnish, 
and  that  was,  free  access  to  a  valuable  library, 
which  was  owned  by  her  worthy  hostess.  This 
was  to  her  a  great  desideratum.  Now  she  had  the 
means  of  enlightening  her  mind,  and  well  did  she 
improve  it.  Louisa  was  her  constant  companion, 
and  to  her  did  Calliste  open  her  heart  in  relation 
to  her  scheme  of  educating  her  brother,  and  in 
her  did  she  place  unreserved  and  unlimited  confi 
dence  —  and  in  her  alone  —  among  the  numerous 
friends  who  now  surrounded  her.  And  why  to 
her  alonej  was  this  favor  given?  Because  she 
had  fairly  tested  her  character  from  the  com 
mencement  of  their  acquaintance,  and  in  every 
instance  found  her  worthy.  Louisa  was  a  virtu 
ous  and  lovely  being,  and  the  attachment  and  con 
fidence  of  Calliste,  met  with  a  warm  response 
from  her  guileless  heart. 

How  truly  valuable  is  that  disinterested,  con 
stant  friendship  which  animates  the  virtuous  heart ! 
How  sacred  that  passion  which  is  founded  upon 
virtue,  and  unites  congenial  spirits  in  a  fraternal 
alliance !  How  brilliant  the  associations  which 
cluster  around  the  name  of  true  friendship  !  We 
love  the  heaven-born  star,  whose  radiance  illumin 
ates  the  heart,  and  feeds  on  a  spirit  of  universal 
and  active  benevolence.  But  how  common  the 
counterfeit !  How  often  does  this  glorious  name, 
as  a  cloak  for  iniquity,  cause  the  heart  of  the  ob- 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  55 

ject  of  an  infernal  agent  to  bite  the  dust  in  the 
bitterness  of  despair !  The  pure  flame  of  friend 
ship  is  nearly  allied  to  affection  ;  but  the  counter 
feit  is  the  blackest  and  most  detestable  stain  upon 
the  human  heart. 

Let  me  dwell 

Alone  within  the  mountain's  dreary  cave, 
Or  in  the  bosom  of  the  wilderness; 
And  when  at  last  rny  heart  shall  cease  to  beat, 
Unburied,  there  in  silence  let  rne  sleep, 
Rather  than  know  the  depth  of  friendship  false 
To  curse  me  with  its  smile  ! 

That  Louisa  appreciated  the  merits  of  her  fair 
companion,  will  account  for  the  interest  which  she 
took  in  her  welfare.  Like  dispositions  and  like 
pursuits,  are  apt  to  generate  reciprocal  feelings 
and  attachments,  or  the  farthest  reverse.  In  the 
one  case,  they  must  flow  from  mutual  guileless 
hearts :  in  the  other,  they  result  from  a  predomi 
nating  spirit  of  self-interest,  which  renders  every 
noble  feeling  subservient  to  its  purpose.  In  this 
case,  the  former  was  the  grand  characteristic,  and 
a  true  sympathy  prevailed  in  each  heart. 

How  sweet  the  attachment  of  virtuous  minds ! 
No  sordid  motive  prompts  to  an  unhallowed  ac 
tion  ;  and  the  promotion  of  the  happiness  of  others 
constitutes  the  happiness  of  the  truly  benevolent. 
This  was  the  characteristic  of  these  humble  Fac 
tory  Girls ;  and  we  ask,  was  it  not  truly  noble 
and  laudable  ? 

Rich  is  the  heart  that  thus  can  feel 
An  interest  in  its  neighbor's  weal ; 


56  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

And  poor  indeed  proud  fortune's  slave, 
Who  thinks  it  worth,  to  be  a  knave  ! 

Though  from  the  mountain's  humble  cot, 
Lodged  in  the  most  secluded  spot, 
Shall  come  the  sympathetic  breast,  — 
It  comes  in  richest  beauty  dress'd. 

True  friendship  is  a  gem  serene, 
.Which  gives  its  light  behind  the  screen, 
And  of  its  names,  with  works  so  free, 
The  sweetest  far  is  Sympathy. 

This  binds  the  heart,  and  sets  a  seal 

Radiant  with  gems  for  others'  weal ; 

It  needs  not  to  be  kept  in  store  — 

The  more  't  is  used,  't  will  yield  the  more  ! 

And  such,  courteous  reader,  is  the  beauty  of 
the  benevolent  mind,  whether  found  in  the  palace 
of  royalty,  or  "  among  the  spindles."  The  gem 
loses  none  of  its  inherent  worth  by  the  name 
which  it  bears. 


CHAPTER    VII. 


Ah  !  Injured  Virtue  !  thou  hast  wept, 
While  yet  the  sword  of  Justice  slept  ! 
While  innocence  was  thus  exposed 
To  beauty's  masked,  yet  deadliest  foes  ! 

"  WHO  were  those  two  young  ladies  that  I 
pointed  out  to  you  at  church  to-day  ? "  inquired 
Cassius  Wilson,  a  sprig  of  southern  chivalry,  of 
Alfred  Boyden,  as  they  sipped  their  wine  in  the 
private  room  of  the  latter,  in  a  splendid  mansion 
on street. 

"  O,  they  were  only  factory  girls,"  replied  the 
latter,  with  a  toss  of  his  head,  and  a  grin  of  con 
tempt  upon  his  countenance. 

"  Factory  girls,  did  you  say  ?  Had  you  said 
birds  of  paradise,  or  angels,  you  would  not  have 
so  much  astonished  me.  Why,  if  I  am  any  judge 
of  beauty,  I  never  saw  a  nymph  nearer  the  per 
fection  of  the  Venus  de  Medicis,  than  was  one 
of  them ;  they  were  both  truly  the  most  beautiful 
and  lovely  beings  that  I  have  seen  in  your  famous 
town,  and  I  might  be  compelled  to  go  far  beyond 
it  to  find  one  of  their  equals  even.  By  the  way, 
are  you  acquainted  with  them,  Alfred  ? " 
4 


58  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

"  Acquainted  with  factory  girls  !  What  do  you 
ask  me  such  a  question  for  ?  Do  you  suppose 
that  I  would  disgrace  my  character  by  associating 
with  that  class  ?  Not  I,  unless  it  were  for  little 
fun,  or  a  —  of  a  conquest :  Hey,  Cassius  !  "  he 
added,  jestingly,  (at  the  same  time  giving  his  com 
panion  a  hearty  slap  upon  the  shoulder  as  he 
rose  to  light  his  Princippe  at  the  polished  grate.) 

"  But,"  continued  Cassius,  "  do  you  know  where 
they  reside,  and  what  they  bear  for  names  ? 
Come,  now,  be  honest,  and  tell  me,  for  at  least 
one  of  them  is  a  rara  avis  —  beautiful  —  and 
worth  a  short  acquaintance,  by  the  powers  !  " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Alfred,  "  I  know  them,  and 
where  they  reside,  but  they  are  as  shy  as  the  very 

,  and  one  of  them  is  the  most  insuperable 

and  unapproachable  minx  that  you  ever  did  see  ; 
and  by  the  way,  they  live  with  a  cursed  old  widow, 
who  is  pious  as  you  please,  and  keeps  them  tied 
to  her  apron  strings,  —  though  Ned  Rawson  and 

I  served  her  a of  a  trick  once,  and  came  nigh 

succeeding  in  enjoying  a  tete  a  tete  with  the  girls. 
but  were  finally  non-plussed  by  a  singular  and 

unfortunate  circumstance,  which  I  will  not 

now  relate." 

"  Good  on  your  head,  by  !  "  exclaimed 

Cassius  ;  "  the  game  is  still  fresh,  and  I  swear  we 
will  become  further  acquainted  with  these  same 
factory  girls,  and  if  we  fail,  there  are  enough 
more  fine  noble  fowls  for  our  picking  !  " 

"  Well,"  replied   Alfred,    "  You  shall    have  a 


GARDEZ    LA    CtEUR.  59 

chance  for  some  fine  sport,  and  if  you  don't  enjoy 
it,  it  will  be  your  own  fault." 

"  But  when  shall  I  have  an  opportunity  for  an 
introduction  to  these  beauties  ?  for  I  swear  I  will 
find  them,  if  I  have  to  search  every  corner  of  the 
town  on  my  hands  and  knees  !  " 

"  They  will  be  at  the  Lyceum  on  Wednesday 
evening,  and  then  I  will  introduce  you  to  one  of 
them,  and  wait  on  the  other  myself,  and  perhaps 
we  can  decoy  them  to  a  private  and  retired  ren 
dezvous,  for  if  we  go  to  their  residence,  that  old 
widow  will  spoil  all  our  fun  !  " 

Thus  they  laid  their  plans  for  the  accomplish 
ment  of  their  hellish  purposes.  Here  we  pause, 
to  notice  briefly  their  circumstances,  as  the  reader 
will  at  once  recognize  their  character. 

Alfred  was  the  son  of  a  wealthy  merchant. 
Without  the  restraints  so  necessary  to  youth,  he 
had  been  suffered  to  pursue  the  inclination  of  the 
corrupt  passions,  —  a  course  which  proves  the  ruin 
of  multitudes  in  like  circumstances.  He  had  been 
travelling  at  the  South,  and  in  his  peregrinations 
had  become  acquainted  with  Cassius  Wilson,  the 
son  of  a  wealthy  planter.  They  had  travelled  to 
gether  considerable,  and  by  the  solicitations  of 
his  friends,  Cassius  had  been  persuaded  to  take  a 
trip  to  the  North,  and  to  spend  a  few  months  at 
the  residence  of  the  father  of  Alfred.  Thus  we 
have  seen  them  a  short  time  after  the  arrival  of 

the  southern  guest,  in  the  city  of  L .  They 

had  seen  but  few  years,  yet  they  were  well  skilled 
in  all  those  arts  by  which  their  object  might  be 


60  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

attained.  They  were  young  in  years,  but  old  in 
crime  —  ay,  the  worst  species  of  crime  —  deeds 
of  darkness  —  the  betrayal  of  confiding  innocence ! 

A  blacker  heart  can  never  beat, 
Than  that  which  bears  the  vile  Deceit, 
To  trifle  with  affection's  name, 
And  turn  its  hallowed  charm  to  shame  ! 

Such,  such  is  devil's  highest  boast  — 
The  ruined  gems  of  Virtue  lost  ! 
And  death,  the  libertine,  will  send 
To  pangs  which  only  Hell  can  lend  ! 

And  yet,  such  characters  wear  the  garb,  and  put 
on  the  airs  of  gentlemen  —  walk  our  streets  with  a 
proud  and  lofty  bearing,  and  are  received  in  the 
fashionable  circles  of  society  whilst  the  victims  of 
their  infernal  arts  are  degraded,  covered  with 
shame,  and  forgotten  !  Justice  sleeps  for  a  short 
season,  and  awaits  a  day  of  reckoning  at  a  higher 
tribunal  !  Then  shall  injured  virtue  cease  to  ap 
peal  in  vain  for  retribution,  and  the  spirit  of  the  vile 
minion  of  corrupt  passion,  shall  stand  unmasked 
in  the  presence  of  those  victims,  whose  blood 
now  cries  to  Heaven  for  vengeance.  Though  a 
seared  conscience  may  sleep  in  the  security  of 
atheism  or  infidelity  for  a  season,  the  time  shall 
come  when  the  awful  reality  will  burst  like  a  thou 
sand  thunders,  and  far  more  terrible,  upon  the 
guilty  soul !  Think,  O  man,  the  result,  ere  you 
dare  trifle  with  the  affections,  or  prove  an  instru 
ment  in  the  hands  of  Satan,  of  accomplishing  the 
ruin  of  a  soul ! 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  61 


-Think ! 


Ere  thou  shalt  find  thine  own  bitter  cup, 
And  curse  the  hour  that  bid  thee  see  the  light ; 
When  injured  Virtue  files  her  dread  account 
Upon  th'  Eternal  Doquet,  and  thou  stand, 
Silent,  condemned  ! 


Little,  indeed,  may  we  suppose,  did  Calliste  and 
Louisa  imagine  themselves  to  be  marked  victims 
in  such  a  plot  as  we  have  seen  laid.  Little  did 
they  imagine  the  danger  which  impended  over 
them,  and  which,  unless  avoided,  would  render 
them  outcasts  from  society.  At  them  was  aimed 
the  death-blow  to  every  future  good  —  to  all  their 
bright  hopes  of  future  happiness!  Yet  they  knew 
it  not.  Still  conscious  of  innocence,  they  feared 
no  evil,  trusting  to  that  Arm  that  can  avert  the 
arrow  of  a  merciless  fate.  Hence  their  greater 
danger  ;  for  in  anticipating  the  plot,  and  avoiding 
it,  alone  is  safety. 

The  vivacity  of  youth,  in  its  fond  hopes,  too 
seldom  considers  the  many  dangers  which  sur 
round  the  careless  and  inconsiderate,  and  thus,  in 
many  cases,  the  fair  and  accomplished  become 
victims  to  an  art,  which  ever  consists  in  the  coun 
terfeit  of  some  loved  characteristic,  or  some  hal 
lowed  passion.  Evil  does  not  present  itself,  save 
under  a  mask  —  generally  the  most  comely  that 
can  be  devised.  Did  it  appear  in  its  true  charac 
ter,  in  all  its  hideous  deformity,  it  would  not  prove 
so  dangerous ;  but  deeds  of  darkness  are  perpe 
trated  under  a  shadow,  and  some  "  deeds  without 


62  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

si  name,"  under  a  guise  which  is  a  personification 
of  virginal  beauty. 

The  study  of  human  nature  —  of  man  —  alone, 
can  tell  us  what  is  in  the  recesses  of  the  heart. 
Appearances  are  deceptive ;  hence  the  necessity 
of  accurate  observation,  with  an  apt  and  discrim 
inating  eye,  that  we  may  be  prepared  to  withstand 
the  machinations  of  the  adversary.  Unhappy  is 
he  who  lives  in  a  world  with  which  he  is  utterly 
unacquainted. 

And  had  no  attempts  hitherto  been  made  to 
draw  these  beautiful  factory  girls  into  the  gay  and 
fashionable  circles?  Most  certainly  ;  these  attempts 
had  been  repeated  often,  but  in  vain.  Often  had 
their  company  been  solicited  at  the  dancing  school, 
the  ball-room,  and  other  fashionable  places  of  re 
sort.  But  they  adhered  to  the  advice  of  experience 
and  friendship.  Though  the  society  of  those  of 
their  own  age  might  have  been  agreeable,  yet  they 
listened  to  the  representations  of  one,  in  whom  they 
placed  entire  confidence.  Well  did  the  amiable 
widow,  the  mother  of  Louisa,  know,  from  observa 
tion  and  experience,  the  many  dangers  and  temp 
tations  which  haunt  fashionable  life.  She  dreaded 
the  whirlpool  of  destruction,  into  which  so  many 
had  been  plunged,  ere  they  were  aware  of  their 
danger,  and  she  gave  her  advice  accordingly. 

Thus  did  Calliste  and  her  young  friend  enjoy 
themselves  in  their  daily  labors,  better,  doubtless, 
than  the  fashionable  pleasure-hunter.  In  the  sin 
cerity  of  their  friendship,  they  found  a  charm  to 
dissipate  every  cloud  of  sorrow,  that  chanced  to 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  63 

overshadow  their  minds,  and  in  an  unsullied  con 
science  that  happiness  which  alone  flows  from 
that  source. 

Often  did  Calliste  hear  from  her  brother,  and  as 
often  did  she  write  to  transmit  funds  to  him,  the 
reward  of  her  untiring  labor,  and  also  to  cheer 
and  encourage  him  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge. 
If  she  felt  a  self-satisfaction  in  her  laudible  enter 
prise,  it  was  but  the  reward  of  real  beneficence  ; 
if  her  sleep  was  sweet,  and  her  dreams  pleasant, 
it  was  no  more  than  a  just  recompence  for  good 
works.  With  a  noble. object  in  view,  anticipation 
sweetens  toil,  and  makes  our  burthens  light. 

And  as  Calliste  portrayed  her  brother  in  all  the 
true  tones  of  simplicity  which  a  sister's  love  alone 
can  find  in  language,  and  the  many  mental  quali 
fications,  as  well  as  gems  of  the  heart,  which  he 
possessed,  with  what  fond  emotion  did  the  gentle 
bosom  of  the  fair  and  lovely  Louisa  beat,  as  she 
hung  upon  each  word  of  Calliste,  as  though  it 
were  a  gem  bearing  a  charm  to  the  mind !  And, 
fair  reader,  perhaps  she  found  an  emotion  within 
her  breast,  the  sweetest,  yet  fraught  with  the  most 
strange  fortune  of  any  passion  in  our  nature  ;  at 
any  rate,  we  believe  she  would  have  been  pleased 
to  have  become  acquainted  with  that  same  stu 
dent,  but  we  may  be  mistaken  in  our  conjectures. 
The  heart  that  is  inclined  to  love,  when  it  finds 
that  emotion  reciprocated  by  one  worthy,  finds 
the  sweetest  moment  of  life  —  a  moment  worth  a 
thousand  years  of  pleasure,  according  to  the  com 
mon  acceptation  of  the  term  ! 


64  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

O  !  say,  —  has  affection  a  token 

That  conquers  the  heart  ? 
That  still,  when  all  others  are  broken, 

Will  never  depart  ? 
'T  is  found  in  the  hour  of  confession, 
When  hearts  long  estrang'd  are  made  one, 
When  virtue  can  find  a  possession, 

And  locate  her  throne  ! 

It  lives  in  fond  memory  for  ever  — 

It  never  can  die, 
Tho'  fortune  those  fond  hearts  may  sever, 

And  every  loved  tie  ! 
It  fixes  its  name  in  the  bosom 
Of  Beauty  —  its  seal  is  a  kiss, — 
And  Virtue  shall  lend  in  profusion, 
Rich  flowrets  of  bliss  ! 

Let,  then,  a  passion  so  sacred,  be  revered  by 
all,  at  least,  so  far  as  to  respect  the  hallowed  influ 
ence  of  a  name  that  claims  Heaven  as  its  native 
clime,  and  to  attach  its  true  value  to  a  passion, 
which  is  a  sensitive  plant,  and  cannot  bear  the 
trifling  spirit,  but  when  wounded,  lays  the  heart 
in  the  dust,  and  flies  to  its  primitive  abode,  to  re 
port  the  deed  for  eternity  1 


CHAPTER   VIII. 


Affection  true, 

Will  ne'er  despair,  tho'  ev'ry  power  of  earth 
Should  strive  to  break  its  rest,  and  loose  the  chain 
That  binds  it  to  its  choice  ;  but  ever  still, 
Absent,  as  well  as  present,  will  protect 
The  gem,  and  place  o'er  it  a  trusty  guard, 
Even  Fidelity  ! 

THE  sun  had  receded  behind  the  western  hills, 
and  its  rays,  one  by  one,  had  withdrawn  their 
golden  light  from  the  face  of  nature,  and  twilight's 
acceptable  hour  was  ushered  in.  The  evening 
star  had  taken  its  place  in  the  blue  expanse,  and 
twinkling  in  loveliness,  was  soon  surrounded  by  a 
host  of  minor  beauties,  as  from  the  face  of  one 
and  another,  the  radiance  of  brighter  beams  had 
been  withdrawn,  and  from  the  eclipsing  curtain 
they  shone  with  their  wonted  brilliancy.  The 
earth  was  clad  in  her  robe  of  white,  and  the  mur 
mur  of  the  distant  stream  was  hushed,  as  the  con 
gealed  counterpane  lay  upon  its  bosom.  The 
woodman's  axe  had  ceased  to  be  heard  in  the  for 
ests,  and  its  last  echo  for  the  day  had  died  upon 
the  ear,  and  silence,  save  the  merry  chime  of  bells, 
occasionally  breaking  upon  the  ear,  seemed  to 


66  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

have  folded  nature  in  its  embrace.  The  cottage 
of  the  farmer,  then,  was  a  place  of  happiness.  A 
rousing  fire  upon  the  ample  hearth  was  agreeable, 
for  the  keen-edged  frost,  with  which  the  atmos 
phere  was  burthened,  found  its  way  into  every 
crevice,  and  its  antagonist  element  seemed  to  be 
necessary  in  its  abundance.  Home  is  then  home 
indeed,  and  then  does  rural  life  offer,  at  least  to 
us,  its  most  sublime  joys.  Where  indeed,  dwells 
contentment,  and  a  spirit  of  kindness,  at  such  a 
time,  there  would  we  find  a  home.  Yes,  Winter 
has  charms  for  us,  in  its  long  evenings,  when,  un 
interrupted,  we  may  sit  in  our  study,  when  suffer 
ing  humanity  demands  not  a  helping  hand,  and 
trace  a  line  for  our  friends,  or  pursue  some  favor 
ite  science  in  cumbrous  tomes,  where  its  delinea 
tion  is  perfected,  or  in  social  conversation  find 
improvement  in  the  experience  of  others.  Winter, 
indeed,  has  many  beauties  for  us,  and  we  may 
delineate  more  of  them  ere  we  close. 

At  such  an  hour  as  this,  a  young  man  might 
have  been  seen  wending  his  way  with  hurried  step 
from  the  village  post  office,  and  entering  a  beauti 
ful  apartment  in  an  imposing  mansion.  Locking 
the  door,  he  opened  and  eagerly  perused  a  letter, 
apparently  much  interested  in  its  contents.  The 
epistle  finished,  he  sat  down  and  soon  fell  into  a 
revery,  seemingly,  of  deep  thought.  While  he 
read,  his  countenance  seemed  to  put  on  a  cheerful 
aspect,  and  a  ray  of  hope  seemed  to  linger  upon 
his  brow,  but  soon  the  same  anxious  look  found 
its  way  to  its  wonted  location.  He  was  young, 


GARDE Z    LA    CCEUR.  67 

and  from  his  appearance  you  would  have  appre 
hended  that  he  belonged  to  the  literary  world. 
His  high  classic  forehead,  and  arched  eye-brows, 
beneath  which  flashed  eyes  eloquent  with  the  lan 
guage  of  the  soul,  and  a  placid  and  pale  brow, 
common  to  close  students,  would  have  satisfied 
you  in  relation  to  that  point.  His  mind  now 
seemed  to  be  in  commotion.  Hope  and  fear,  the 
belligerents,  were  alternately  in  the  ascendant. 

—  "And  must  I  give  up  the  only  being  that 
ever  I  truly  loved  —  the  jewel  of  my  soul  —  so 
beautiful,  so  amiable,  so  lovely,  and  marry  one  as 
far  inferior  as  earth  is  to  heaven  —  whom  I  never 
can  love  —  merely  to  gratify  an  uncle  already  in 
his  second  childhood?"  soliloquized  the  stranger. 
"  Never !  no,  never  !  though  I  be  disinherited, 
and  have  nothing  but  my  small  estate  left  me  by 
my  father,  I  can  live  by  my  profession,  and  with 
the  loved  one  of  my  early  choice,  I  shall  be  happy, 
though  poverty  should  stare  me  in  the  face  !  — 
Emeline  is  rich,  I  know,  and  the  daughter  of  a 
lawyer ;  but  her  riches  are  not  lasting.  Her  mind 
is  not  adorned  with  those  gems  which  are  indeed 
durable  riches,  and  without  which  in  a  companion, 
no  man  can  be  happy.  But  these  my  uncle  over 
looks,  and  gold  is  the  object,  added  to  a  worthy 
name  !  " 

Marcus  Hartwell,  (for  this  was  the  name  of  the 
individual  introduced,  who  by  the  way  was  noticed 
in  our  first  chapter)  was  an  orphan.  His  parents 
had  both  died  within  a  short  time  of  each  other, 
and  before  he  was  of  age,  and  an  uncle  on  his 


68  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

father's  side  was  appointed  guardian  over  him. 
His  father  had  left  him  a  small  fortune,  though 
not  of  any  great  consequence,  and  as  he  was  pur 
suing  his  collegiate  course,  preparatory  to  the 
study  of  his  profession,  his  expenses  must  neces 
sarily,  ere  he  could  obtain  his  profession,  nearly 
or  quite  consume  his  means,  and  leave  him  pen 
niless.  As  his  uncle  had  no  children,  he  wished 
Marcus  to  become  heir  to  his  estate,  which  was 
quite  a  fortune  to  be  possessed  by  one  in  a  country 
village. 

At  the  time  we  introduce  Marcus  to  our  readers, 
he  had  nearly  completed  his  professional  studies, 
and  was  about  to  take  the  degree  of  M.  D.  He 
had  graduated  with  high  honors  at  college,  and 
gave  promise  of  becoming  eminently  useful  in 
society.  He  had  chosen  a  noble  calling,  one  offer 
ing  ample  opportunities  for  the  exertion  of  a  be 
nevolent  mind  in  the  cause  of  humanity,  —  one, 
than  which  none  demands  a  truer  spirit  of  bene 
volence  and  piety,  with  every  virtue  in  full  devel- 
opement ;  one,  which  finds  an  ample  field  for  the 
exertion  of  every  faculty,  and  than  which  none 
lays  upon  its  votary  a  greater  share  of  responsi 
bility,  or  a  task  more  arduous  and  important. 
We  speak  of  our  own  profession  with  some  degree 
of  warmth,  which  we  trust  the  reader  will  pardon, 
for  every  votary  has  a  favorite  shrine.  And  Mar 
cus  was  eminently  qualified  for  the  duties  which 
were  soon  to  devolve  upon  him.  He  was  truly 
virtuous  and  pious,  and  a  truly  pious  physician 
may  be  the  humble  instrument  of  doing  much 


GARBEZ    LA    CffiUR.  69 

good.  His  mind  was  well  stored,  and  with  bril 
liant  talents  and  sound  judgment,  he  was  about  to 
launch  upon  the  boisterous  sea  of  life,  to  buffet 
its  waves  and  press  his  way  onward  among  shoals 
of  dunces,  blockheads,  sharpers  and  knaves,  to 
fortune  and  fame,  and  finally  take  his  stand  among 
those  who  win  the  victory,  if  he  should  be  so 
happy  as  to  outride  the  storms  of  life. 

But  a  plan  had  been  laid  by  his  uncle,  which 
was  far  from  being  agreeable  to  Marcus.  The 
old  gentleman  was  not  only  a  little  aristocratic  in 
his  notions,  but  money  —  all-powerful  money,  was 
at  the  bottom  of  his  designs.  He  wished  Marcus 
to  form  an  alliance  with  a  certain  lawyer's  family, 
which  was  far  from  his  intention.  EMELINE  MA 
SON,  it  is  true,  was  called  a  beauty,  and  had  been 
educated  in  all  the  technical  points  taught  at  a 
fashionable  boarding  school,  while  indeed  the 
more  useful  branches  of  study  had  been  neglected. 
She  was  one  of  those  characters  who  think  it  be 
neath  their  dignity  to  associate  with  the  humble 
and  virtuous  poor,  for  she  considered  those  who 
were  compelled  to  labor  for  a  livelihood,  as  far 
beneath  her  notice  as  her  own  class  are  truly  be 
neath  the  notice  of  the  noble  and  virtuous,  though 
humble  poor,  whom  they  despise  !  But  for  the 
girl,  the  said  uncle  cared  little  in  truth,  though  he 
had  caused  her  to  be  thrown  into  company  with 
Marcus  as  often  as  possible.  But  she  was  an 
heiress !  That  was  the  grand  charm  that  attracted 
the  attention  of  the  old  gentleman.  Well  did  he 
know,  that  Marcus  loved  another,  with  all  the 


70  THE  FACTORY  GIRL,  OR 

ardent  affection  of  a  faithful  heart :  but  alas,  the 
aged  forget  that  once  they  were  young,  and  de 
sired  the  object  of  their  choice  in  preference  to  all 
others  !  They  forget  that  true  affection  can  live 
only  in  congenial  climes,  and  that  when  the  name 
lives  without  the  deed,  the  heart  loses  its  gem. 
They  forget,  too,  when  impelled  in  their  object  by 
the  love  of  gain,  that  beauty  will  fade,  and  riches 
turn  to  dust,  and  only  the  gems  of  virtue  can 
boast  immortality.  They  forget  that  affection 
can  never  live  in  an  union  where  it  is  not  mutual, 
and  that  disappointment  withers  the  heart ! 

When  the  subject  was  first  introduced,  the  old 
gentleman  tried  persuasion,  to  influence  Marcus  in 
favor  of  the  alliance,  and  to  abandon  the  idea  of 
marrying  a  poor  factory  girl.  He  endeavored 
by  the  shafts  of  sarcasm  and  ridicule  to  turn  Mar 
cus  from  his  purpose,  but  in  vain.  Marcus  had 
not  only  decided,  but  his  word  was  pledged  —  his 
vow  made  and  sealed  with  a  kiss,  and  his  honor 
forbid,  even  had  he  fancied  the  choice  of  his  un 
cle,  and  been  favorable  to  the  consummation  of 
such  an  alliance.  But  his  mind  was  far  from  this. 
and  he  was  not  disposed  to  alter  his  decision. 
Finding  that  he  should  not  succeed  by  persuasive 
means,  the  old  gentleman,  still  determined  to  gain 
the  victory,  fixes  upon  another  plan  to  bring  it 
about.  He  resolves  to  threaten  to  disinherit  him. 
and  to  find  a  home  for  him  no  longer,  unless  he 
will  comply  with  his  request.  And  what  was  the 
result  ?  This  inhuman  and  barbarous  threat  failed 
of  its  purpose.  Marcus  met  it  with  firmness,  and  in 


GARDEZ    LA    CfEUR.  71 

plain  terms  giving  the  old  gentleman  his  thoughts 
in  relation  to  his  proceedings,  he  prepared  to  leave 
the  house,  perhaps  forever.  But  this  the  old  gen 
tleman  prevented,  perceiving  his  determination, 
and  the  failure  of  his  scheme,  and  dreading  the 
expense  which  he  knew  would  follow  such  an 
event.  He  finally  persuaded  Marcus  to  stay  at 
his  residence,  but  he  still  persisted  in  his  coinciding 
with  his  plans ;  but  this  Marcus  utterly  refused  to 
do,  and  we  find  him  under  these  reflections,  as  we 
have  introduced  him  at  the  beginning  of  this 
chapter.  He  had  just  received  a  letter  from  one 
dearer  to  him  than  all  of  life  beside,  and  that  had 
strengthened  his  resolution  already  formed.  He 
possessed  a  noble  spirit,  and  though  he  knew  not 
what  the  result  might  be,  he  determined  to  perse 
vere —  at  all  events  to  fulfil  his  promise  to  the 
object  of  his  choice.  The  old  gentleman  was  as 
tonished,  yet  he  secretly  admired  the  decision  of 
character  displayed  by  his  nephew,  but  in  this  case 
he  wished  to  overcome  it,  and  to  cause  him  to 
submit  to  the  caprice  of  the  second  infancy  of  the 
mind. 

But  the  old  gentleman  had  not  done  here.  How 
he  succeeded  in  his  after  plans  we  shall  see  as  we 
proceed. 

Such  was  the  one  who  had  won  the  youthful 
affections  of  Calliste,  and  now  was  the  accepted 
suitor  of  the  Factory  Girl.  They  had  kept  up  a 
correspondence  from  the  time  of  our  first  intro 
ducing  them  to  the  reader.  Occasionally  had  they 
met,  though  their  meetings  were  necessarily  few 


72  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

and  far  between.  Still,  fidelity  dwelt  in  each 
heart,  and  anticipation  cheered  every  solitary  mo 
ment  of  their  separation.  Marcus  soon  returned 
to  his  Mma  Mater,  to  attend  his  last  course  of 
medical  lectures,  and  take  his  diploma.  And  here 
we  leave  him  to  notice  other  characters  connected 
with  our  narrative,  and  other  scenes  in  course ; 
but  meanwhile  we  have  a  few  remarks  to  make, 
which  we  hope  our  readers  will  not  find  unimpor 
tant  or  unprofitable. 

How  truly  important  is  decision  of  character  to 
the  young.  It  is  the  only  security  against  those 
unfavorable  gales  which  are  so  apt  to  prove  de 
structive  to  the  wavering  and  unsteady.  When 
our  object  is  right  —  when  the  enterprise  in  which 
we  are  engaged  is  laudable,  then  decision  of  char 
acter  enables  us  to  overcome  every  obstacle,  and 
to  press  forward  with  success.  What,  indeed,  are 
the  prospects  of  those,  who  launch  upon  the  sea 
without  a  compass  to  direct?  They  are  in  no 
worse  condition  than  those  who  have  no  ballast  to 
keep  them  from  the  buflfetings  of  the  elements. 
We  must  first  have  an  object  in  view,  worthy  of 
pursuit,  and  then,  decision  shall  enable  us  to  es 
cape  every  influence  that  would  turn  us  from  our 
purpose.  By  this  we  are  enabled  to  resist  temp 
tations,  the  resistance  of  which  alone  can  preserve 
us  from  evil. 


CHAPTER   IX. 


O,  Virtue  '  still  thine  arm  is  strong, 
Thy  favorites  to  protect  from  wrong  ; 
Thou  canst  explore  the  blackest  heart, 
And  counteract  each  hellish  art 

THE  labors  of  the  day  were  finished,  and  left 
ihe  mind  free  from  aught  that  could  disturb  its 
serenity.  The  hall  in  which  the  Lyceum  was  to 
hold  its  session  was  brilliantly  illuminated,  and 
soon  was  filled  to  overflowing,  by  those  of  both 
sexes,  and  all  classes,  as  a  lecture  was  expected 
from  a  celebrated  character,  on  an  interesting  sub 
ject.  A  host  of  operatives  were  there,  and  the 
beauty  and  mental  excellence  of  the  town  seemed 
there  concentrated  —  presenting  to  the  spectator 
subjects  for  silent  interest.  What  institution  could 
be  substituted  for  the  well-conducted  Lyceum  — 
of  equal  interest,  and  affording  equal  advantages  ? 
None,  we  believe,  can  fill  its  place,  that  shall 
blend,  in  an  equal  degree,  the  useful  with  the 
agreeable.  And  this  is  the  great  desideratum  in 
all  institutions.  In  order  to  instruct,  we  must 
first  interest  the  hearer,  and  then  we  shall  find  no 
difficulty  in  gaining  the  attention,  which  object 
5 


74  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

being  attained,  we  shall  find  improvement  as  the 
result.  And  to  their  Lyceum  may  be  attributed 
at  least  a  share  of  the  intelligence  of  the  opera 
tives,  especially  in  the  city  in  which  our  present 
scene  is  located,  for  the  general  information  which 
is  gained  thereby,  and  the  subjects  of  numerous 
able  lectures,  added  to  the  knowledge  gained  from 
books,  and  by  other  means,  by  this  class,  as  a 
whole,  cannot  fail  to  gain  the  admiration  of  the 
friends  of  education,  as  truly  laudable,  nor  is  the 
tribute  due  to  mental  cultivation  and  moral  worth 
generally  withheld,  particularly  in  their  case.  Col 
lected  as  they  are,  from  different  places,  from  the 
mountain  home  and  the  village  retirement,  bearing 
gems  of  intellectual  wealth,  of  transcendent  beauty 
with  them,  and  still  laboring  to  render  each  jewel 
more  attractive,  who  shall  say  that  real  worth 
dwells  alone  with  royalty  and  a  noble  name, 
which  must  sink  when  fortune  frowns  ? 

To  the  Lyceum  did  Calliste  and  Louisa  repair, 
and  as  they  entered  the  hall,  a  gentleman  might 
have  been  seen  to  whisper  to  another  at  his  side, 
and  both  seemed  to  eye  the  innocent  and  lovely 
beings  with  a  deep  interest.  As  the  panther,  less 
to  be  dreaded  than  such  characters,  eyes  his  prey 
with  apparent  delight,  ere  he  destroys  it,  so  did 
the  demon  spirits,  in  the  garb,  and  bearing  the 
name  of  gentlemen,  look  upon  their  intended  vic 
tims.  And  still  the  objects  were  unconscious  of 
the  proposed  infernal  agency  !  Beautiful,  guile- 
ess,  and  lovely  beings,  they  knew  not  their  dan 
ger  !  The  exercises  of  the  evening  commenced, 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  75 

and  with  all  the  deep  interest  usual  to  such  insti 
tutions,  proceeded  harmoniously.  The  eloquence 
of  the  speaker  attracted  each  heart,  and  the  im 
portance  of  the  subject  presented  could  not  fail 
deeply  to  interest  each  mind  that  cared  for  its  own 
improvement.  But  there  were  two  individuals 
present,  who,  notwithstanding  they  enjoyed  the 
reputation  of  scholars,  cared  little,  we  imagine, 
for  the  lecture,  for  their  minds  were  filled  with  — 
what  ?  That  their  names  were  Cassius  Wilson 
and  Alfred  Boyden,  will  be  sufficient  for  our  read 
ers  to  learn,  to  divine  their  thoughts,  as  they  will 
recollect  the  scheme  shown  in  a  preceding  chap 
ter.  But  Calliste  and  Louisa  found  the  lecture 
deeply  interesting  to  them,  and  the  smile  of  satis 
faction  which  rested  upon  their  countenances, 
told  that  they  were  by  no  means  careless  hearers. 

The  brilliancy  of  innocent  and  unsuspecting 
minds  can  lend  a  radiant  smile  to  the  counte 
nance,  which  proves  an  index  to  the  purity  of  the 
soul,  and  beauty  delights  to  fall  upon  the  taberna 
cle  of  such  a  heart,  and  to  lavish  all  her  charms 
upon  the  serene  fabric,  while  from  the  hidden  re 
cesses  of  the  soul,  radiated  in  living  eloquence, 
the  gems  of  intellectual  and  moral  worth  are  de 
veloped  in  a  rich  halo,  which  none  can  fail  to  ad 
mire  ! 

The  exercises  of  the  evening  were  closed,  and 
the  crowd  began  to  disperse.  A  drizzling  shower 
of  rain  had  commenced  falling,  and  Cassius  and 
Alfred  waited  at  a  post  nigh  the  doors,  ready  for 
their  expedition  :  but  what  was  their  surprise  and 


76  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

mortification  to  find  themselves  non-plussed  by  a 
flat  refusal  of  their  company  from  Calliste  and 
Louisa,  their  intended  victims  !  Righteous  God  ! 
thy  hand  was  there  to  protect  thine  own  from  the 
hands  of  the  black-hearted  destroyer  !  Thy  power 
swayed  the  hearts  of  these,  thy  children,  to  refuse 
the  first  step,  which  might,  had  it  been  taken, 
have  proved  their  ruin  !  Calliste  and  Louisa  lived 
at  but  a  short  distance,  and  were  soon  in  their 
own  room  at  home,  while  those  who  had  antici 
pated  a  different  result,  not  yet  satisfied,  found 
their  way  to  a  tavern,  and  there,  over  the  spark 
ling  wine-cup,  laid  their  plans  for  the  future,  not. 
we  imagine,  without  a  sense  of  mortified  pride, 
and  a  higher  opinion,  at  heart,  of  the  worth  of  the 
poor,  yet  beautiful  and  virtuous  Factory  Girls. 
But  why  did  not  Calliste  and  her  friend  accept 
the  company  of  those  who  had  every  appearance 
of  gentlemen,  as  it  was  a  dark  and  rainy  night, 
though  they  were  indeed  strangers  ?  The  friendly 
voice  of  warning  had  not  fallen  in  vain  upon  their 
ears.  They  had  been  informed  of  those  prowling 
villains  who  infest  society,  under  the  garb  of  gen 
tlemen,  and  they  dare  not  trust  the  stranger  at 
any  time.  Virtue  pointed  out  their  way,  and 
thus  saved  her  jewels  from  almost  certain  de 
struction  ! 

Such  are  thy  works, 

O,  Virtue  !   second  gem  of  Heaven's  own  — 
Than  which,  save  meek-eyed  Piety,  are  none 
Richer,  more  lovely,  more  to  be  admired  ! 
Thine  impress,  stamp'd  upon  the  guiltless  heart, 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  77 

Protected  it  from  ruin,  and  the  pang 
That  sinks  the  soul  to  depths  of  keenest  woe 
Inextricable  !     Beauty,  innocence,  and  all 
That  renders  frail  humanity  an  heir. 
Through  grace,  of  Heaven  ! 

What  were  the  feelings  of  these  lovely  Factory 
Girls,  when  in  their  own  apartment,  safe  from 
danger  or  harm,  they  considered  and  recounted  in 
mutual  conversation  the  events  of  the  evening  ? 
Had  they  known  for  a  certainty  what  they  sup 
posed  to  be  the  character  of  these  gentlemen,  we 
fancy  their  young  hearts  would  have  beat  with  a 
deeper  emotion  of  gratitude  than  now  swayed 
them  !  Had  they  known  the  snare  from  which 
they  had  thus  almost  providentially  escaped,  they 
would  have  trembled  at  the  vortex  into  which 
they  had  well  nigh  been  plunged  ;  but  they  were 
unconscious  of  the  dread  plot,  and  as  their  minds 
ran  upon  the  past,  they  sometimes  even  fancied, 
perhaps,  that  they  had  been  uncivil  in  refusing  the 
company  of  those  whom  they  had  no  reason  to 
doubt  were  gentlemen. 

Such  is  life.  We  cannot  read  the  human  heart, 
and  consequently  cannot  divine  the  thoughts  that 
may  roll  in  the  mind,  even  when  flattery,  with  its 
envenomed  and  forked  tongue  is  passing  the  royal 
road  from  the  ear  to  the  heart !  We  listen  to  a 
syren's  enchantment,  and  fall  by  the  strong  arm 
of  the  designing,  even  while  they  seem  our  friends. 
This  is  the  case  especially  with  unsophisticated, 
confiding  females.  Their  credulity  blinds  their 
eyes,  and  eventually  proves  their  ruin  !  Trust  not 


THE    FACTORY    GIRL,  OR 

a  stranger,  O  reader  !  Rely  alone  confidentially? 
upon  those  who  take  an  interest  in  your  welfare  ! 
let  the  voice  of  the  flatterer,  like  the  whistle  of 
the  steam-engine,  be  received  as  a  token  of  dan 
ger !  Choose  for  a  companion,  one  whose  daily 
life  you  can  approve  ;  for  in  this  alone  are  you 
safe  from  the  serpent-folds  of  the  deceiver  and 
betrayer  ! 

Thus  Calliste  passed  her  time  from  day  to  day. 
and  though  she  was  young  and  inexperienced, 
still  she  led  a  virtuous  and  truly  consistent  life. 
She  had  visited  her  childhood  home  several  times, 
and  now.  instead  of  the  blushing  beauty  of  "  sweet 
sixteen,"  she  had  assumed  the  elegance  and  love 
liness  of  maiden's  prime.  She  had  spent  several 
years  in  the  capacity  of  a  Factory  Girl,  though 
she  was  not  all  of  the  time  engaged  in  that  occu 
pation.  She  had  occasionally  spent  a  few  weeks, 
or  even  months,  at  her  father's  residence,  and 
while  in  the  city  she  had  been  subjected  to  many 
peculiar  adventures  —  some  of  the  character  last 
named — but  she  had  resisted  temptation,  and 
still  enjoyed  that  happiness  which  alone  can  spring 
from  a  consciousness  of  rectitude  and  an  unsullied 
conscience.  It  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  one  of 
her  beauty  and  moral  excellence  shall  escape  the 
attention  of  the  throng.  She  had  many  admirers, 
some  of  the  first  classes,  and  of  good  character, 
and  she  had  been  favored  with  several  offers  of 
marriage,  which,  under  other  circumstances  would 
have  been  considered  of  no  trifling  importance  — 
but,  she  was  engaged.  Her  heart  had  been  given 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  79 

to  her  early  choice,  and  she  had  as  yet  no  cause 
to  repent  of  her  decision  in  his  favor.  She  loved 
Marcus  Hartwell  with  all  the  fullness  of  a  woman's 
affection.  She  appreciated  his  talents,  and  she 
knew  he  possessed  those  riches,  which  the  finger 
of  time  cannot  destroy.  And  she  was  happy  still, 
though  compelled  to  forego  the  absence  of  one, 
dearer  to  her  than  any  on  earth  beside.  She  had 
accomplished  her  object  thus  far,  and  her  brother 
had  nearly  finished  his  collegiate  course.  Louisa 
had  proved  a  valuable  friend  to  her,  and  Mrs. 
Elliot,  with  the  tenderness  and  kindness  of  a 
mother,  and  secured  the  warm  affections  of  her 
daughter's  friend,  and  in  her  society,  with  Louisa, 
she  could  not  but  pass  her  time  in  an  agreeable 
manner. 

She  had  no  reason  to  doubt  the  sincerity  of  the 
affection  of  Marcus,  and  in  his  fidelity  she  had 
perfect  confidence.  Thus  believing  the  trust  of 
her  heart  secure,  she  was  happy. 

Affection  in  woman  is  not  that  transient  play  of 
Cupid  upon  the  heart,  that,  like  the  flame  of  the 
meteor,  throws  out  a  brilliant  radience  for  the  mo 
ment,  and  then  is  for  ever  lost,  but  it  is  that  con 
stant,  ardent  passion,  that  bears  no  unholy  alloy  in 
its  bosom,  but  lives  on  remembrance,  even  when 
the  object  sleeps  in  the  dust !  Of  true  affection 
we  speak,  —  that  hallowed  flame  that  can  never 
cease  to  exist,  so  long  as  the  pulse  shall  beat,  and 
cause  the  strings  of  the  soul  to  vibrate  with  an 
emotion  sweeter  than  any  other  that  Heaven  lends 
to  the  heart,  — 


THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

That  dwells  alone  where  virtue  sits 

In  majesty  enthroned, 
And  never  leaves  to  deep  regret, 

What  beauty  calls  her  own. 

A  flame,  than  which  no  brighter  finds 

A  home  within  the  breast ; 
A  wreath  around  the  heart  entwines, 

Where  purtiy  can  rest. 

Sweeter  than  nectar  from  the  fount 

Of  living  waters,  even, 
Rising  where'er  the  soul  can  mount  — 

Transplanted  soon  to  Heaven. 

Affection,  true  !     O,  hallowed  name  ! 

Mortal,  profane  it  not  ! 
Brighter  shall  shine  its  sacred  flame, 

When  earth  shall  be  forgot ! 

Where  is  the  heart  that  knows  not  the  joy  of 
the  possession  of  this  heaven-born  guest  ?  Tell 
me,  ye  minions  of  a  skeptical  and  boasted  philoso 
phy,  which  teaches  that  beauty  is  calculated  to  be 
subservient  to  the  gratification  of  unholy  passions, 
what  power  ordained  affection  and  give  it  its  work  ? 
Did  not  the  Creator  of  the  Universe  plant  in  each 
heart  the  principle  by  which  alone  the  human 
family  could  be  held  together?  If  so,  where  is 
your  authority  upon  which  to  found  your  code  of 
evtravagant  pretensions  ?  Ye  voluptuary,  where 
are  your  reasons  for  the  indulgence  of  your  pas 
sions?  Ah  !  they  exist  in  a  degenerate  mind  and 
a  corrupted  heart  —  corrupted  by  passions  which, 
when  carried  out,  are  the  grand  instruments  in  the 
hands  of  our  common  enemy,  of  your  own  de 
struction,  as  well  as  the  ruin  of  others. 


CHAPTER   X. 


The  gem  shall  shine, 

When  placed  conspicuous,  though  its  origin, 
The  mountain  cave  shall  own ;  and  real  worth 
Not  always  fails  thus  to  be  recognized, 
Though  eminating  from  the  humble  cot, 
Unknown,  unnamed  ! 

THE  day  before  the  annual  Commencement  at 
College  was  fa-  spent,  and  Alumni  from  va 


rious  parts  of  the  surrounding  country  had  col 
lected,  and  were  arriving  at  the  beautiful  village 
which  was  the  location  of  their  Alma  Mater,  to 
participate  in  the  festivities  of  the  occasion,  than 
which,  none  is  hailed  with  a  more  hearty  welcome 
by  this  class,  and  to  witness  the  exhibition  of 
genius  and  merit  in  those  same  venerable  halls  in 
which  they  had  spent  a  season  of  their  youthful 
days.  The  divine  left  his  study,  the  lawyer  his 
pen,  and  the  physician  his  office,  the  man  of  grey 
hairs,  and  the  young,  the  gay  and  beautiful,  alike 
willing  to  leave  the  cares  of  their  respective  vo 
cations,  to  ride  over  the  hills  and  vallies  inter 
vening,  and  to  meet  old  acquaintances,  associates 
and  friends ;  the  statesman,  weary  with  the  toils 
of  his  vocation,  was  willing  to  join  the  throng  and 


82  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

participate  in  the  joy  of  the  occasion.  Many  a 
breast  beat  with  satisfaction,  while  the  mutual 
and  warrn-hearted  greeting  of  friends  amply  com 
pensated  for  the  labor  of  the  journey,  and  the 
scenes  of  early  years  were  recounted  with  a 
pleasing  satisfaction. 

Preparations  for  the  morrow  had  been  made, 
and  the  evening  spread  her  mantle  over  a  scene 
of  deep  interest.  But  there  was  another  list  of 
characters  whose  bosoms  heaved  with  far  differ 
ent  emotions,  and  that  was  the  graduating  class. 
They  were,  at  least  part  of  them,  to  act  a  con 
spicuous  part  in  the  exercises  of  the  morrow,  and 
the  result  of  years  of  toil  was  to  be  exhibited. 
Anxiety  marked  the  countenances  of  such,  and 
ambition  fired  each  heart  with  a  flame,  which  only 
those  who  have  passed  a  similar  ordeal,  can  fully 
appreciate.  Gratitude  prompted  some  to  action, 
and  as  honor  was  the  reward  of  real  merit,  each 
heart  was,  as  we  may  justly  suppose,  anxious  to 
pluck  a  leaf  from  the  laurel,  and  to  stand  conspic 
uous  on  the  list  of  competitors  for  the  prize.  Lit 
tle  sleep,  we  fancy,  was  enjoyed  that  night  by  the 
candidates  for  college  honors. 

The  hour  of  night  was  late,  but  still,  anxiously 
poring  over  a  manuscript,  by  the  light  of  a  dim 
lamp,  by  the  side  of  a  small  table,  sat  Edwin 
Barton.  He  was  one  of  the  class  who  had  com 
pleted  their  college  course,  and  were  soon  to  ap 
pear  on  the  stage,  before  a  numerous  assembly  of 
literary  characters,  and  judges  of  merit.  His  was 
an  arduous  task,  and  he  felt  his  inability  to  do 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  83 

justice  to  the  part  assigned  him.  He  was  a  good 
scholar,  and  to  him  was  assigned  the  highest  honor 
that  worth  can  command  in  that  situation.  He 
was  appointed  to  deliver  the  Valedictory.  Many 
a  sleepless  night  had  he  wielded  his  pen,  and  at 
length  his  task  was  finished.  His  examination  had 
been  successful  and  highly  satisfactory  to  the  board 
of  examiners,  and  now  he  had  a  part  to  perform, 
which,  if  well  executed,  would  gain  for  him  golden 
opinions  from  the  throng.  How  deep  the  emotion 
of  the  heart  of  Edwin  at  that  time  ?  He  was  a 
favorite  among  all  classes,  and  he  had  been  de 
clared  worthy  by  the  Professors.  And  with  what 
feelings  of  gratitude  did  his  thoughts  fly  away  to 
that  Factory  Girl,  his  beloved  sister,  as  he  antici 
pated  the  lime  that  he  should  lay  the  laurels  thus 
gained,  at  the  feet  of  her  who  had  placed  him 
there,  and  supported  him  through  his  career  in 
college.  How  fervently  did  he  implore  the  Di 
vine  aid  that  evening,  and  as  he  retired  to  sleep  a 
few  hours,  that  he  might  be  the  better  prepared 
for  the  exercises  of  the  next  day,  what  were  the 
emotions  which  prevented  him  from  closing  his 
eyes  for  a  long  time,  and  then  formed  the  ground 
work  of  his  dreams,  none  can  tell,  save  those  who 
know  by  experience.  The  past,  and  the  future, 
we  fancy,  rushed  upon  his  mind,  and  that  happy 
home  among  the  hills,  which  he  was  soon  to  visit, 
perhaps  was  not  forgotten. 

The  morning  broke  in  all  the  beauty  of  a  north 
ern  clime  ;  the  feathered  songsters  among  the 
green  foliage  warbled  their  sweetest  notes,  and  all 


84  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

were  active  with  the  animation  which  such  a  scene 
produces.  At  an  early  hour,  a  numerous  company 
were  assembling,  and  at  the  appointed  time,  the 
exercises  of  the  day  were  commenced.  It  was  a 
brilliant  exhibition  of  talent  and  improvement, 
and  all  seemed  deeply  interested  and  satisfied 
with  the  performances,  which  were,  indeed,  truly 
laudable ;  but  we  need  not  enter  into  a  minute 
detail  of  circumstances.  All  the  exercises  had 
been  completed,  save  the  valedictory  address,  and 
to  this  was  every  mind  turned,  in  anticipation  of 
a  rich  feast.  The  hour  had  arrived,  and  Edwin 
was  upon  the  stage  before  a  numerous  assembly. 
A  breathless  silence,  as  it  were,  prevailed,  and 
every  ear  was  waiting  to  catch  the  sound  of  the 
first  words  from  the  lips  of  the  speaker.  The 
young  appearance  and  pale  countenance  of  Edwin, 
was  peculiarly  interesting,  and  the  marks  of  the 
scholar  delineated  on  his  lofty  brow  and  classic 
features,  were  peculiarly  adapted  to  arouse  curios 
ity.  And  the  scene  so  interesting  in  its  character, 
rendered  every  circumstance  more  impressive. 
Especially  to  the  graduates  was  this  a  moment  of 
deep  interest.  They  were  soon  to  part,  never 
again,  in  all  probability,  to  meet  thus,  as  a  whole. 
They  were  to  part,  and  take  up  their  respective 
abodes  at  a  distance  from  each  other.  They  were 
to  enter  the  different  professions  or  vocations. 
Some,  perhaps,  would  find  a  home  in  foreign 
lands,  perchance  as  agents  of  benevolence  among 
the  heathen,  and  they  must  now  take  the  parting 
hand  of  friends,  associates,  and  those  with  whom 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  85 

they  had  spent  many  a  happy  moment,  during 
their  college  life.  The  social  fraternity  must  be 
broken,  and  all  those  associations  so  dear  to  the 
heart,  connected  with  school  life,  must  now  be 
sundered.  Under  such  circumstances  did  they 
wait,  with  hearts  beating  with  emotion,  to  hear 
the  valedictory  from  a  favortite  of  theirs,  and  of 
the  faculty. 

With  a  firm  voice  did  Edwin  open  the  exordi 
um,  and  as  he  proceeded,  his  eyes  were  filled 
with  the  fire  of  genius  and  intellectual  worth,  and 
he  entered  into  the  subject  with  a  degree  of  true 
eloquence,  which  would  have  done  honor  to  much 
higher  pretensions,  and  much  more  experience. 
His  whole  soul  seemed  filled  with  life,  and  the  fire 
of  a  noble  mind  burst  forth  in  all  its  strength 
and  brilliancy.  He  finished  his  immediate  sub 
ject,  upon  which  the  flowers  of  oratory  had  been 
lavished,  and  after  a  short  pause,  and  with  a  voice 
calculated  to  give  the  most  profound  attention, 
he  commenced  that  part  which  might  be  called 
more  truly  the  valedictory.  He  recalled  the  past, 
with  its  scenes  to  the  minds  of  his  fellows,  and 
portrayed  with  a  plaintive  strain  the  prospects  of 
the  future  ;  and  his  address  to  the  faculty,  trus 
tees  and  students,  successively,  drew  every  heart's 
emotion  ;  and  finally  to  the  graduating  class,  as  he 
cheered  them  on  to  noble  works,  his  appeal  was 
indeed  a  flow  of  eloquence  unrivalled ;  and  as  his 
voice  sunk  into  a  low  cadence,  the  thanks  of  a 
grateful  heart  were  extended  to  teachers,  and  all 
to  whom  they  were  due,  and  as  the  "  farewell " 


86  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

passed  his  lips,  and  he  retired  with  a  graceful 
bow  from  the  stage,  murmurs  of  applause  were 
heard  from  every  lip,  which  would  have  satisfied 
the  most  aspiring  mind.  His  task  was  completed, 
and  he  was  satisfied  with  the  result.  His  appeal 
had  drawn  many  a  manly  tear  from  eyes  unaccus 
tomed  to  weep.  We  need  not  proceed  with  the 
description.  Suffice  it  to  say,  he  received  his  A. 
B.  with  the  highest  of  college  honors. 

Could  that  Factory  Girl  have  witnessed  this 
scene,  think  you  not,  gentle  reader,  that  the  sat 
isfaction  of  such  a  moment  would  have  amply 
compensated  for  years  of  toil  ? 

This  was  the  work  of  a  Factory  Girl.  Thus 
far  had  she  been  successful  in  accomplishing  her 
intended  purpose.  But  she  is  not  done  here. 
Another  and  a  greater  work  is  before  the  young 
student.  He  has  taken  his  leave  of  friends  and 
classmates  dear  to  him,  and  we  now  find  him  at 
the  residence  of  his  parents.  In  him  they  see  all 
those  qualities  which  the  heart  of  a  fond  parent 
can  wish ;  and  with  what  satisfaction  do  these 
pious  and  devoted  Christians  hear  their  only  son 
declare  his  intention  to  enter  the  Gospel  field  —  to 
prepare  for  the  ministry  !  Calliste  was  at  home 
when  he  returned  from  college,  and  how  warmly 
did  she  encourage  him  to  persevere  in  his  deter 
mination,  pledging  her  assistance  to  enable  him  to 
pursue  his  course.  But  he  determined  to  enter 
upon  his  studies  as  a  beneficiary,  thus  lightening 
the  burden  which  he  was  unwilling  should  fall 
upon  a  beloved  sister.  To  this,  at  last,  though 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  87 

reluctantly,  Calliste  consented,  but  her  determina 
tion  was  to  furnish  him  with  a  library  and  other 
necessary  appendages,  ere  he  finished  his  theolog 
ical  course. 

We  find  Edwin  soon  engaged  in  his  professional 
studies,  and  the  Factory  Girl  again  "among  the 
spindles."  Calliste  still  kept  her  place  in  the 
family  of  Mrs.  Elliot,  and  Louisa  was  her  con 
stant  companion  and  confidential  friend.  Happy 
was  Louisa  to  hear  from  the  lips  of  her  friend,  the 
glowing  and  vivid  description  of  her  brother's 
success  ;  and  though  our  readers  may  say  they  see 
no  reason  why  Louisa  should  care  for  an  entire 
stranger,  yet,  from  some  cause,  she  had  taken,  as 
would  appear,  a  deep  interest  in  his  welfare,  but 
perhaps  it  was  a  sympathetic  influence  that  caused 
the  impression. 

Such,  courteous  reader,  was  the  enterprise 
which  gave  an  impulse  to  the  exertions  of  this 
beautiful  and  lovely  Factory  Girl,  and  such  was 
her  success,  thus  far,  in  her  laudable  enterprise. 
And  was  she  worthy  the  esteem  of  the  observer  ? 
Did  not  a  noble  heart  beat  "  among  the  spindles  ?  " 
Not  more  so  in  this  case,  than  in  a  multitude  of 
others,  which  are  unknown  in  their  obscurity, 
though  not  forgotten  on  the  scroll  of  virtue ! 

'T  is  not  the  heart  to  fame  allied, 
That  Virtue  asks,  her  gems  to  hide  ; 
'T  is  not  the  soul  to  pride  inclined, 
That  e'er  bespeaks  a  noble  mind  ! 
No  !  beauty  in  seclusion,  wears 
Full  many  a  gem  divinely  fair  ; 
And  ineek-eyed  Piety  can  show 
The  richest  heart  that  beats  below  '. 


88  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

What  name,  we  ask,  can  boast  richer  posses 
sions  than  that  which  receives  its  adornment  from 
a  humble  seclusion,  and  rises  in  all  the  grandeur 
and  sublimity  of  intellectual  and  true  moral  worth, 
to  an  elevation  among  the  stars  which  cluster 
around  the  wreath  of  laurels  which  entwine  in 
unfading  light  around  the  Temple  of  Fame  im 
mortal  ?  Elevation,  it  is  true,  renders  real  merit 
more  eminently  conspicuous,  but  still,  without  this 
means,  the  beauties  of  real  worth  can  never  be 
lost. 

Then  persevere, 
O,  noble  soul,  hid  in  obscurity, 
And  know,  the  future  shall  delight  to  own 
Thy  worth,  and  give,  when  vanity  shall  fall, 
Thy  rich  reward  ! 


CHAPTER    XI 


Rich  is  the  name,  where'er  'tis  found, 
By  virtue's  hallowed  signet  crowned; 
And  beauty  true  delights  to  dwell 
Within  the  humble  heart's  deep  cell. 

ALONE  in  her  private  apartment  sat  Calliste  at 
the  close  of  the  day,  perusing  the  last  number  of 
the  "OFFERING,"  of  which  valuable  periodical  we 
shall  speak  in  another  place.  The  labors  of  the 
day  were  finished,  and  the  quiet  shades  of  even 
ing  had  appeared.  And  shall  we  describe  the 
private  apartment  of  a  Factory  Girl,  dear  reader  f 
Indeed,  we  see  no  harm  that  can  result  from  such 
a  description,  at  least  in  this  case.  It  was  a  small 
apartment,  neatly  furnished.  In  the  centre  was 
a  small  table,  covered  with  various  books  and  pe 
riodicals,  embracing  in  the  variety  some  of  the 
gems  of  literature.  On  one  side  of  the  room  was 
a  small  secretary,  and  a  library  of  well-selected 
and  choice  volumes,  indicating  that  the  rnind  of 
those  humble  operatives  was  not  forgotten.  The 
floor  was  covered  with  an  elegant  carpet,  and  a 
polished  grate  contained  a  few  coals  only,  as  it 
was  but  the  beginning  of  autumn.  Writing  ma- 
6 


90  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

terials  were  at  hand,  and  indeed  every  part  indi 
cated  more  the  sanctum  of  the  poet,  or  the  studio 
of  the  artist,  than  the  residence  of  the  operative. 
An  air  of  neatness  prevailed,  and  in  possession  of 
such  a  home,  and  an  agreeable  companion,  who 
would  be  unhappy  or  discontented  ? 

Here  did  Calliste  and  Louisa  spend  their  leisure 
moments  in  reading,  writing  and  conversation, 
and  we  may  not  be  surprised  if  they  found  an 
agreeable  copartnership,  and  a  happy  life.  They 
had  gained  an  extensive  circle  of  acquaintances  — 
nay,  friends ;  for  to  know  them  was  to  love  them, 
for  that  mildness  of  disposition  and  amiable  de 
portment  which  characterized  them,  was  univer 
sally  admired.  Thus  they  were  pleasantly  and 
agreeably  situated,  and  even  labor  itself  was  a 
pleasure,  when  an  object  was  to  be  accomplished, 
worthy  of  such  minds. 

As  Calliste  sat  thus  attentively  engaged  in  pe 
rusing  the  pages  of  "  The  Offering,"  the  door  was 
noiselessly   opened,    and    Louisa,    with    an   arch 
smile  playing  upon  her  countenance,  entered  the 
room,  exclaiming,  "A  letter,  sister !  probably  from 
your  Beaufiddle!"  —  at  the  same  time  laying  the 
neatly-folded  epistle  upon  the  table,  and  gliding 
from  the  room  like  a  nymph,  left  Calliste  alone 
again,  to  open  and   peruse    the    missive  at  her 
leisure.     With  a  fluttering  heart  did  Calliste  scan 
the  well-known  hand  writing,  which  as  Louisa  had 
prognosticated,  was  from  Marcus,  and  with  what 
interest  did  she  read  the  welcome,  closely-written 
pages.     But  a  new  impulse  was,  we  fancy,  given 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  91 

to  her  feelings  as  she  learned  the  difficulties  under 
which  her  loved  one  labored.  He  had  told  her 
all  —  his  uncle's  plans,  and  the  result,  and  closed 
by  saying,  "  Give  yourself  no  uneasiness,  my  long- 
loved  Calliste,  for  you  shall  ever  find  me  true  to 
the  trust  which  you  have  been  pleased  to  surren 
der  to  my  keeping.  We  shall  soon,  I  trust,  meet, 
no  more  to  be  separated,  until,  by  a  power  stronger 
than  humanity  can  exercise,  we  are  snatched  from 
each  other,  to  meet  again  as  I  humbly  trust,  where 
the  heart  no  more  shall  find  a  pang  of  sorrow." 

Though  Calliste  was  confident  that  Marcus 
would  prove  true  to  her,  yet  still  a  kind  of  regret 
seized  her  mind,  that  she  was  the  innocent  cause 
of  much  difficulty  and  sorrow,  to  one  whom  she 
loved  with  the  whole  soul  of  a  virtuous  woman, 
and  this  is  saying  enough  of  the  strength  of  affec 
tion.  She  would,  indeed,  have  given  up  the  jewel 
of  her  heart,  could  she  thereby  have  been  instru 
mental  in  imparting  a  ray  of  happiness  to  that 
being,  who  possessed  her  affections ;  but  this 
would  not  have  been  the  result,  for  Marcus  would 
never,  we  fancy,  have  acquiesced  in  his  uncle's 
plan,  even  had  Calliste  dismissed  him.  No !  far 
from  it.  His  heart  was  fixed  and  fastened  by  the 
strongest  tie  that  can  unite  mutual  hearts,  and  he 
had  never  had  cause  to  repent  his  decision.  In 
deed,  the  attachment  grew  stronger  and  stronger. 
and  absence  only  seemed  to  render  more  unyield 
ing,  if  possible,  the  fervor  of  kindred  hearts. 

That  species  of  love  which  exists  only  in  the 
presence  of  the  object,  is  totally  unworthy  to  bear 


92  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

the  name.  It  is  true,  there  is  a  prevalence  —  a 
fearful  prevalence  of  this  species,  and  did  it  find 
mutual  negative  qualities,  its  existence  would 
prove  less  pernicious.  Could  inconstant  affection 
meet  a  like  principle  in  every  conquest  which  it 
makes  with  the  heart,  the  true  gem  would  be  the 
less  apt  to  be  the  dupe  of  a  base  counterfeit.  The 
heart  which  lavishes  its  attachments  and  affections 
upon  all,  is  not  worthy  to  bear  the  true  gem  in  our 
confidence,  any  farther  than  a  love  for  humanity 
will  countenance  that  passion,  for  half  a  heart  is 
worse  than  none  !  In  a  word,  that  individual  who 
cannot  place  constant  and  unreserved  affection 
upon  an  object,  is  unworthy  to  receive  that  hal 
lowed  gem  in  return.  There  are,  indeed,  too 
many,  who  can  love  for  a  season,  while  the  object 
presents  in  person,  attractions  to  arouse  the  flame, 
who,  when  the  being  is  absent,  forget  that  they 
have  ever  loved,  or  given  the  object  reason  to  sup 
pose  such  to  be  the  case,  when,  perhaps,  in  the 
heart  of  that  confiding  one,  a  flame  has  been 
aroused  by  their  pretended  attachment,  which  can 
never  be  destroyed  ! 

True  affection  is  ever  the  same  —  in  absence  — 
in  adversity  —  in  prosperity —  in  life  and  in  death  ! 
Strive  not  to  gain  affection  from  a  heart  whose 
attachment  you  never  intend  to  reciprocate,  lest 
the  blood  of  the  innocent  and  confiding  fall  upon 
your  head  !  Let  sincerity  characterize  every  ac 
tion,  that  the  heart  of  the  virtuous  and  confiding 
be  not  left  to  repine  in  disappointment  and  with 
ered  hopes,  as  the  result  of  incautiousness  in 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  93 

arousing  the  destroyer,  though  perhaps  such  was 
far  from  your  intention. 

But  affection  like  that  of  Marcus  for  Calliste, 
sacrifices  every  other  pleasure  to  prolong  its  exis 
tence, —  predominates  over  every  other  interest, 
and  is  a  treasure,  worthy  of  the  name.  The  vo 
luptuary  may  trifle  with  this  hallowed  principle, 
but  it  is  not  the  less  worthy  of  admiration.  Though 
trampled  upon  here,  the  true  spirit  shall  bask  in 
the  bright  beams  of  eternal  day,  while  its  despiser 
and  destroyer  shall  dwell  in  outer  darkness  !  Woe 
to  the  hand  that  destroys  the  tender  flower,  even 
in  the  bud,  for  the  knell  of  departing  beauty  shall 
ring,  and  jar  his  very  soul  in  fearful  confusion, 
when  Virtue  shall  present  her  dread  account  of 
wrongs  for  retribution ! 

Though  Calliste  had  never  been  blessed  with 
the  means  of  acquiring  a  finished  education,  ac 
cording  to  the  popular  signification  of  the  term, 
yet  she  had  not  neglected  those  means  which 
were  within  her  reach,  for  the  improvement  of  the 
mind.  She  was  well  read  for  one  in  her  situation, 
and  by  her  own  exertions,  principally,  had  she  ac 
quired  an  extensive  fund  of  information  on  the 
various  subjects  embraced  in  the  arts  and  sciences, 
and  the  literature  of  the  day.  Her  natural  abili 
ties  were  of  the  highest  order,  and  thus  she  made 
the  best  use  of  the  fund  of  knowledge  which  she 
had  been  able  to  gain. 

There  are  some,  who,  educate  them  as  thor 
oughly  as  you  will,  still  sleep  under  dormant  fac 
ulties,  and  let  the  latent  spark  remain  inactive, 


94  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

while  others,  with  far  less  opportunities,  by  the 
force  of  native  genius,  will  shine  far  brighter  in 
point  of  real  intellectual  worth,  than  those  who 
have  every  facility  in  their  favor.  Thus  with  Cal- 
liste :  the  improvement  which  she  made  with  her 
limited  means,  would  have  done,  honor  to  many, 
with  far  higher  advantages. 

Her  contributions  to  the  pages  of  "  THE  OF 
FERING  "  displayed  a  native  genius,  untrammeled 
by  the  rigid  rules  of  the  schools,  and  thus  in  their 
simplicity  united  grandeur  and  sublimity.  And 
here  we  would  notice  this  valuable  periodical,  con 
ducted  entirely  by  operatives,  —  and  a  more  satis 
factory  and  agreeable  task  could  hardly  have  fallen 
to  our  lot.  The  Offering,  as  we  have  intimated, 
and  as  is  well  known,  is  the  work  entirely  of 
"  mind  among  the  spindles,"  and  in  point  of  merit 
ranks  high  in  the  literary  world.  One  great  feature 
of  beauty  developed  in  the  original  matter  of  its 
pages,  is  that  it  is  written,  most  of  it,  in  the  sim 
ple  and  native  purity  of  veritable  life,  and  the  lan 
guage  presented  is  as  unpretending  as  the  moun 
tain  flower,  which  feature  cannot  fail  to  attract 
attention  and  admiration.  And  if  its  pages  dis 
play  none  of  the  art  of  fiction,  they  shine  with 
lustre  unrivalled  in  their  own  strength  and  native 
elegance.  We  find  here,  gems  of  art  also,  and 
language  which  would  grace  far  more  pretending 
pages.  Indeed,  we  cannot  speak  too  highly  of 
the  merits  of  this  periodical.  It  is  like  a  star  rising 
from  the  ocean.  It  has  the  type  of  originality, 
and  has  no  precedent  of  equal  excellence.  We 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  95 

congratulate  the  worthy  and  indefatigable  conduc 
tors  of  this  work  on  its  eminent  success.* 

We  love  that  simplicity  which  dwells  in  the 
mind  of  the  virtuous,  and  the  unpretending  beau 
ty  that  partakes  not  of  pride  and  vanity,  nor  do 
we  less  value  true  excellence,  though  it  be  found 
in  the  abode  of  the  recluse,  or  in  the  mountain  re 
treat.  The  mind  is  the  seat  of  all  that  is  worthy 
of  admiration  which  humanity  can  claim.  This, 
then,  should  claim  our  notice,  and  its  works 
should  graduate  our  estimation  of  its  real  merit. 
We  despise  that  low,  grovelling  son  of  wealth, 
who,  in  the  pride  of  self-consequence,  looks  only 
to  rank  and  riches  as  tests  of  worth — who  can 
curl  the  lip  of  scorn  at  the  operative,  when  in 
fact  the  real  merit  of  one  humble  member  of  this 
class,  if  placed  in  the  balance  of  virtue,  would 
weigh  down  millions  of  souls  tinctured  with  this 
vanity.  We  are  ashamed  almost  to  own  such  vile 
minions  of  self  and  money  as  human.  They  are 
fit  only  for  those  climes  where  the  spirit  of  free 
dom  never  shed  its  hallowed  influence,  and  where 
a  proud  aristocracy  curses  the  land.  Slaves  of 
pride  and  vanity  !  we  envy  not  your  situation,  — 
we  disdain  your  pretensions  to  merit,  or  to  a  rank 
among  the  noble  minds  of  our  land !  You  who 
think  the  humble  operative  beneath  your  notice  — 


*  It  is  proper  to  remark  that  the  periodical,  so  favorably 
noticed  by  the  author,  has,  for  reasons  not  publicly  stated 
by  its  conductors,  been  for  some  time  discontinued.  It  is 
well  known,  however,  that  it  enjoyed  an  ample  measure  of 
patronage  to  the  last. — PUBLISHER. 


96  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

you  it  is,  who  shall  behold  in  future  the  elevation 
of  real  merit,  and  the  destruction  of  a  proud  and 
haughty  spirit,  alike  unfit  for  earth  or  heaven ! 
Virtue  alone  shall  be  rewarded,  and  the  humble 
yet  noble  soul  shall  gain  a  diadem,  when  the  proud 
and  haughty  spirit  shall  find  no  name  more  base 
registered,  and  like  Dives  want  a  drop  of  water  to 
cool  his  tongue  !  Give  every  one  their  due  ;  for 
Justice  shall  sooner  or  later  mete  out  to  all  a 
righteous  award. 


CHAPTER   XII. 


Proud  fortune's  wheel, 
At  every  revolution  brings  a  change 
Of  destiny  to  millions  !     Many  note 
Who  once  in  affluence  lived,  from  door  to  door 
Solicit  charity  ;    and  others  then  in  want, 
Now  move  in  affluence  ! 

UPON  a  gentle  slope  of  land  bordering  on  the 
line  which  separates  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont, 
with  the  beautiful  and  winding  Connecticut  rolling 

at  its  feet,  stands  the  village  of  .  It  was  a 

picturesque,  romantic  location,  and  though  small, 
it  was  not  the  less  beautiful  at  the  time  we  intro 
duce  our  readers  to  the  scene  which  it  presented. 

One  of  autumn's  sweetest  evenings  had  hung 
her  ;;  harvest  moon  "  in  the  heavens,  and  as  her 
mild  beams  fell  upon  each  object,  they  seemed  to 
offer  a  kiss  to  all.  The  tall  spire  of  the  village 
church  glistened  by  reflection,  and  each  object  cast 
its  shadow  with  inimitable  precision.  The  reaper 
had  finished  his  work  for  the  day,  and  the  warbling 
of  the  rich-plumed  songsters  of  the  grove  had 
ceased.  The  tavern  sign  swung  upon  its  hinges, 
swayed  by  playful  zephyrs,  and  occasionally  the 


98  THE  FACTORY  GIRL,  OR 

barking  of  a  dog,  or  the  sound  of  a  carriage  broke 
upon  the  ear,  to  mar  the  tranquillity  of  the  scene. 
On  entering  the  village  through  a  small  copse  of 
wood,  it  presented  to  the  eye  which  fancies  the 
picturesque  and  sublime,  a  satisfaction,  and  con 
veyed  to  the  thinking  mind  many  a  subject  for 
thought.  Upon  the  hills  and  in  the  valleys  adja 
cent,  were  some  of  the  best  farms  which  the  fertile 
soil  of  the  "Granite  State"  affords,  and  the  whole 
scene  presented  a  beau  ideal  of  rural  life.  It  was 
one  of  those  comparatively  independent  and  happy 
regions  which  are  common  to  New  England.  On 
passing  through  the  village,  a  neat  cottage,  painted 
white,  and  with  green  blinds,  half  concealed 
among  the  stately  elms,  might  have  been  seen, 
and  upon  a  snug  office  near,  glistening  in  the 
moon-beams,  was  the  name  of — 

"DR.    HART  WELL." 

Here,  amid  the  beauties  of  nature,  had  our  friend 
found  a  pleasant  and  agreeable  location,  for  it  will 
be  perceived  at  once  by  the  reader,  that  Marcus, 
and  the  name  upon  the  office,  are  synonymous. 
Here  had  he  been  attracted  by  the  rich  prospect 
which  the  site  afforded,  and  hither  had  he  come 
to  commence  the  practice  of  his  profession.  He 
had  received  his  M.  D.  from  his  Alma  Mater,  and 
now  was  to  put  to  the  test  his  capacity  and  skill 
as  a  professional  man.  He  was  well  read,  and  bid 
fair  for  eminent  usefulness.  Little,  indeed,  how 
ever,  does  the  young  physician,  with  high  antici 
pations  and  brilliant  prospects,  even,  realize  the 


GARDE  Z    LA    C(EUR.  99 

difficulties  which  beset  his  path,  until  he  learns  by 
experience  the  sad  lesson.  Little  does  he  know 
of  the  deep  anxieties  consequent  upon  the  weight 
of  responsibility  resting  upon  him,  until  actual 
experience  unfolds  the  reality.  And  the  ingrati 
tude  of  patients,  which  of  all  other  trials,  tears 
the  heart,  even  when  by  the  exercise  of  his  noble 
art  he  is  sensible  he  has  rescued  them  from  the 
yawning  grave  —  this,  we  repeat,  he  can  only  tell, 
after  he  finds  it,  and  receives  in  many  cases  only 
curses  as  the  reward  of  his  labors  of  philanthropy 
and  love. 

But  Dr.  Hartvvell  was  well  prepared  to  overcome 
every  difficulty,  and  a  strong  mind  gave  him  an 
advantage  over  him,  who,  from  a  sensitive  spirit, 
shrinks  at  the  struggle  and  loses  the  victory.  He 
was  well  acquainted  with  human  nature,  and  took 
advantage  of  this  knowledge  in  avoiding  many  of 
the  rocks  and  quicksands  which  have  proved  the 
ruin  of  the  ignorant  and  unwary. 

He  had  been  in  his  new  location  but  a  few 
months,  and  in  that  time  a  fierce  opposition  had 
stared  him  in  the  face.  The  bitterness  of  a  deci 
ded  rivalry  showed  him  what  he  was  to  anticipate, 
but  the  present  opposition  was  such  as  to  benefit 
rather  than  injure  him.  That  he  was  a  "  young 
man,"  was  the  only  plea  which  his  hoary-headed 
antagonist  could  bring  against  him  —  and  this 
atrocious  failing  is  enough,  in  the  estimation  of 
some,  especially  advanced  maiden  worthies,  or 
superstitious  and  vain  matrons,  to  damn  a  physi 
cian  to  eternal  oblivion  !  But  our  worthy  friend 


100  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

was  slowly,  yet  decidedly  gaining  the  confidence 
of  the  community,  and  by  ardent  exertions  he 
was  doing  a  fair  share  of  the  business  in  the  line 
of  his  profession.  His  progress,  it  is  true,  was 
slow,  but  this  is  almost  invariably  the  case  with 
those  of  a  crowded  profession.  But  he  had  loca 
ted  himself  there,  and  decision  of  character  —  a 
trait  so  necessary  in  the  young  man  —  prognosti 
cated  a  permanent  stand  for  our  friend  in  that  vil 
lage,  in  preference  to  any  other.  His  address  was 
pleasing,  and  he  was  highly  esteemed,  so  far  as 
he  had  become  acquainted  with  the  noble-hearted 
arid  worthy  class  who  inhabited  the  vicinity.  Thus 
he  had  soon  engaged  many  warm-souled  friends 
who  duly  appreciated  his  talents,  in  his  favor. 
We  left  him,  in  a  preceding  chapter,  in  a  sort  of 
embarrassment  not  particularly  agreeable,  but  we 
find  him  now  under  different  circumstances.  His 
uncle,  failing  in  all  his  schemes,  had  finally  given 
up  his  conquest  in  despair.  At  the  death  of  the 
old  gentleman,  which  happened  soon  after,  very 
suddenly,  (from  apoplexy)  a  will  was  found  — 
whether  left  intentionally  or  not,  is  unknown  — 
making  Marcus,  as  he  had  previously  intended, 
sole  heir  to  his  estate,  which  was  no  trifling  sum 
to  fall  to  a  young  man  in  his  situation. 

Thus  had  Marcus  been  enabled  to  purchase  and 
pay  for  the  stand  at  which  we  have  found  him, 
and  the  retirement  which  it  afforded  was  not  the 
least  valued  of  its  attractions. 

Apart  from  his  professional  qualifications,  he 
was  a  good  scholar,  and  he  had  fitted  up  a  fine 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  101 

study,  in  which  was  a  choice  classical  and  miscel 
laneous  library,  where  he  intended,  in  the  interim 
of  business,  to  find  time  for  study  and  scientific 
investigation.  The  mind  that  is  satisfied  to  rest 
on  its  previous  attainments,  cannot  expect  to  keep 
pace  with  the  improvements  of  the  day  ;  and  the 
physician  who,  on  receiving  his  diploma,  lays 
aside  his  books  as  having  "  learned  out,"  will 
soon  find  himself  in  the  rear  rank.  But  this  was 
not  at  all  in  accordance  with  the  mind  of  our 
friend.  He  was  ambitious ;  and  ambition  is  a 
laudable  trait  of  character,  when  directed  to  a 
noble  purpose.  Thus  was  our  friend  raised  by  a 
sudden  evolution  of  fortune,  from  almost  penniless 
poverty  to  comparative  independence.  And  in 
this  case  was  the  smile  of  fortune  shed  upon  one 
worthy  to  receive  her  benefits,  while  in  many  cases 
we  find  the  reverse.  But  did  this  sudden  transi 
tion  from  penury  to  wealth,  render  him  any  more 
worthy  of  respect  or  esteem  ?  Certainly  not !  for 
transient  treasures  are  not  worthy  of  our  confi 
dence,  and  only  those  which  are  permanent  enti 
tle  the  possessor  to  our  respect. 

With  what  a  thrill  of  satisfaction  did  Calliste 
learn  the  good  fortune  of  Marcus,  and  how  did 
her  bosom  heave  with  emotion,  when  she  looked 
forward  to  her  union  with  the  object  of  her  early 
choice  !  Edwin  had  nearly  completed  his  studies 
preparatory  to  the  ministry,  and  she  now  felt  that 
it  would  be  her  privilege  soon  to  retire  again  to  a 
rural  seclusion  among  her  native  hills.  Marcus 
she  had  found  faithful  to  his  word,  and  she  well 


102  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

knew  that  he  would  soon  claim  her  hand,  as  a 
companion  for  life.  She  was  his  affianced,  and 
she  looked  forward  to  the  time  of  their  long  anti 
cipated  union,  we  presume,  with  an  emotion 
which  those  who  have  been  in  her  situation  alone 
can  tell.  She  was  happy,  and  with  her  prospects 
for  the  future,  and  her  guileless  heart,  who  indeed 
would  not  be  ?  Long  years  had  she  spent  "among 
the  spindles,"  and  time  had  passed  rapidly.  She 
had  enjoyed  herself,  and  an  unsullied  conscience 
had  ever  .been  reflected  from  the  mirror  of  the 
heart. 

But  to  return  to  Marcus.  Imagine,  fair  reader, 
a  neat  though  small  room,  on  one  side  of  which 
is  a  case  of  medicines  well  filled,  and  on  the  other, 
a  book-case,  containing  a  medical  library,  not  ex 
tensive  yet  valuable.  In  the  centre,  a  table  cov 
ered  with  papers,  books,  parcels  of  medicine, 
instruments,  writing  materials,  &c.,  the  whole  ap 
pearance  indicating  the  sanctum  of  a  modern  son 
of  ^Esculapius.  This  was  the  office  of  Doctor 
HARTWELL  ;  and  here,  we  fancy,  he  spent  many 
of  his  leisure  moments.  But  something  still 
seemed  wanting  to  complete  his  happiness.  A 
neat  yet  small  cottage  seemed,  (standing  empty 
as  it  did,)  to  invite  some  fair  and  lovely  being  to 
grace  it  by  her  presence,  and  perhaps  the  young 
Doctor  anticipated  with  a  fond  anxiety  the  time 
when  he  should  be  able  to  introduce  his  bride  to 
his  friends,  and  to  find  a  home  in  her  society  in 
the  neat  little  domicil,  which  he  had  chosen  as  his 
future  residence.  Perhaps  his  bosom  found  strange 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  103 

emotions —  (for  physicians  are  not  entirely  heart 
less  !)  —  which  were  consequent  upon  the  proxim 
ity  of  an  event,  which  had  kept  him  years  in  an 
ticipation,  and  nerved  him  for  every  struggle  with 
adversity  which  had  been  cast  in  his  way.  He, 
too,  perhaps,  remembered  the  past,  as  he  antici 
pated  the  future,  and  pictured  in  his  imagination 
the  joys  of  domestic  life,  in  a  rural  retreat.  He 
had  proved  constant  to  Calliste,  and  that  hallowed 
power  which  caused  his  youthful  heart  to  beat 
with  emotion  in  her  presence,  now  in  her  absence 
still  grew  stronger  and  stronger. 

How  beautiful  is  fidelity  !  How  strongly  does 
it  lay  hold  of  our  admiration !  It  is  the  life  of 
true  affection — the  element  by  which  it  is  known. 
What,  indeed,  is  love,  unless  characterized  by  this 
active  principle?  —  unless  founded  on  this  sure 
foundation  ?  A  meteor  flame,  losing  all  its  beauty 
in  a  moment,  and  vanishing  like  the  early  dew. 
Constant,  faithful  affection  alone,  is  worthy  to 
bear  the  name  of  one  of  the  jewels  of  virtue.  We 
despise  the  impious  soul,  who,  for  the  sake  of  self- 
gratification  in  conquest,  will  trifle  with  the  heart, 
and  after  touching  to  vibration  every  chord  of  its 
sweetest  music,  leave  it  unstrung  and  out  of  tune, 
to  remediless  destruction !  Fidelity  alone  can 
ensure  the  safety  of  the  heart,  or  protect  it  from  a 
bed  of  thorns ! 


This  alone  can  worthy  prove 
Of  the  heart's  confiding  love  ; 
Love,  which,  when  it  once  is  gone, 
Bids  adieu,  and  ne'er  returns  ! 


104  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

Richer  is  the  bosom  blessed 
Where  this  sacred  scene  doth  rest, 
Than  the  heart  that  wears  a  crown 
Which  it  cannot  call  its  own  ! 

Never-fading  beauty  reigns 
Where  Fidelity  will  fain 
Locate  her  triumphant  throne, 
And  protect  the  gem  her  own. 

Keep  the  heart  from  every  snare  ; 
See  that  thou  this  beauty  wear  ! 
And  thy  cups  shall  flow  with  joy, — 
Pleasure  true,  without  alloy  ! 

Thus  shalt  thou  live  in  security,  and  fear  no 
evil,  and  if  thou  shalt  find  a  mind  congenial  with 
thine  own,  in  mutual  joy  shalt  thou  pass  the  rem 
nant  of  thy  days,  and  close  thine  eyes  at  last,  on 
the  bosom  of  faithful  affection  ! 


CHAPTER    XIII. 


Homeward  returning  !  O  how  sweet 
The  prospect  now  before  the  mind  ! 
At  home  again  !     Our  friends  we  greet, 
And  scarcely  leave  a  thought  behind  ! 

IT  was  early  on  a  lovely  morning  in  autumn, 
that  a  stage-coach  stopped  in  front  of  a  mansion 
on street,  and  in  a  few  moments  two  beauti 
ful  females  were  on  board,  and  the  journey  of  the 
day  was  commenced.  It  was  one  of  those  fine 
and  agreeable  mornings  which  this  pleasant  and 
agreeable  season  affords,  and  innumerable  inter 
esting  objects  attracted  the  observing  eye.  The 
coach  rolled  on  rapidly,  and  soon  the  hum  of  the 
city  was  lost  in  distance,  and  nature,  instead  of 
art,  displayed  her  beauties.  The  reaper,  singing 
his  merry  song,  returned  to  the  field,  to  gather 
the  harvest  as  the  reward  of  industry,  and  the 
mechanic  was  busy  at  his  work,  and  though  na 
ture  had  commenced  her  preparation  for  the  storms 
of  old  winter,  by  laying  aside  her  variegated  and 
beautiful  summer  garments,  still  she  had  not  lost 
her  attractions.  The  fields  presented  their  luxu 
riant  expanse,  and  the  yellow  apple  laughed  be- 
7 


106  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,   OR 

hind  its  screen  of  fluttering  leaves.  The  pellucid 
stream,  winding  its  serpentine  way,  played  with 
the  white  pebbly  shore,  as  ever  and  anon  its 
waves  leaping  gaily  from  its  bosom,  kissed  the 
tender  flower  which  had  not  yet  been  destroyed 
by  the  frosts  of  the  season.  All,  all  was  life ; 
and  the  picturesque  region  found  not  a  few  at 
tractions  in  its  towering  hills,  and  deep  ravines, 
for  the  eye  of  the  naturalist  or  the  painter.  And 
as  they  passed  onward,  the  salubrious  atmoshere 
of  the  country  seemed  to  fit  the  mind  for  the  en 
joyment  of  those  beauties  which  nature  has  lav 
ished  upon  her  favorite  spot  —  the  hills  and  vales 
of  New  England,  dear  to  us  as  the  land  of  our 
birth,  and  the  home  of  our  forefathers. 

The  two  young  ladies  of  whom  we  have  spoken, 
we  scarce  need  to  say,  were  Calliste,  and  her 
friend  Louisa  Elliot.  They  had  left  the  city,  the 
one  to  visit  the  home  of  her  childhood,  among  the 
hills,  the  other  to  bear  her  company,  and  to  enjoy 
a  visit  to  the  "  Granite  State."  Calliste  had  pre 
vailed  upon  her  friend  to  accompany  her  on  her 
visit,  and  to  spend  a  few  weeks  in  the  rural  seclu 
sion  of  the  residence  of  Farmer  Barton,  of  which 
we  have  spoken  in  a  previous  chapter.  To  this 
proposal,  Louisa  offered  no  objection,  and  having 
obtained  the  consent  of  her  only  surviving  parent, 
with  a  light  heart  did  she  leave  the  city  for  a  short 
season,  to  dwell  among  the  beauties  of  nature. 

A  city  life,  however  rare  and  agreeable  scenes 
it  may  afford,  can  never  compare,  in  our  humble 
opinion,  with  a  home  in  one  of  those  romantic  and 


CARD  EX    LA    CffiUR.  107 

beautiful  villages,  which  meet  the  eye  of  the  trav 
eller  in  the  country.  The  one,  it  is  true,  opens 
all  the  attractions  of  art,  which,  on  their  first 
presentation,  excite  our  curiosity  and  admiration, 
but  we  grow  weary  as  we  become  familiar,  and 
they  loose  much  of  their  attraction.  But  in  tbe 
other,  we  never  can  cease  to  find  subjects  for  ad 
miration,  in  the  vast  museum  of  nature,  as  we  trace 
the  colors  of  a  Divine  pencil  in  every  flower,  and 
the  hand  of  a  Divine  Architect  in  the  stupendous 
works  of  the  Creator.  But  perhaps  as  it  is  natu 
ral  to  form  our  minds  according  to  our  observa 
tion,  we  speak  in  preference  of  rural  life,  because 
upon  such  scenes  our  eyes  first  opened,  and  be 
cause  in  such  a  seclusion  is  the  location  of  our 
own  "  sweet  home,"  which  can  never  cease  to  be 
a  sacred  spot,  so  long  as  the  dust  of  departed 
friends  hallows  it. 

If  ever  the  heart  beats  with  an  indescribable 
emotion,  it  is  when,  after  an  absence  of  months  or 
years,  we  are  at  last  on  our  way  to  the  place  of 
our  nativity.  Then  "  Homeward  Bound "  is  a 
sweet  song,  and  all  the  scenes  of  early  years  rush 
upon  the  wings  of  memory  ;  we  forget  the  scenes 
of  a  strange  land,  for  a  season,  and  thought  is  busy 
in  portraying  the  meeting,  and  all  its  untold  pleas 
ures.  Home  is  an  endearing  word ;  it  strikes 
upon  the  ear  with  a  peculiar  sweetness,  and  bears 
to  the  mind  a  multitude  of  thoughts  in  its  associ 
ations —  thoughts  which  cheer  the  heart. 

HOME  !  't  is  the  same  where'er  it  be  ! 
Amid  the  halls  of  royalty, 


108  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

Or  in  the  humble  mountain  cot, 
'T  is  to  the  heart  a  hallowed  spot. 

What  names  upon  the  soul  impress 
A  deeper  seal,  a  richer  dress, 
Than  those  endeared  by  kindred  ties, 
Which  from  our  own  sweet  home  arise  ? 
» 

A  Father's  kindness  constant  proved, 
And  too,  a  Mother's  priceless  love  ; 
A  Brother,  who  each  hour  beguiles  ; 
A  Sister's  tender,  welcome  smiles. 

Thrice  happy  throng,  what'er  their  lot, 
Whose  names  adorn  the  sacred  spot ! 
The  more  upon  life's  seas  we  roam, 
The  more  we  love  our  childhood's  home. 


Fraught  with  all  the  scenes  of  early  years  so 
peculiarly  dear  to  the  heart,  and  all  those  tender 
associations  which  have  interested  us  even  from 
infancy,  we  can  but  cherish  the  home  of  our  child 
hood  with  a  fond  remembrance. 

But  to  return  again  to  our  narrative,  knowing 
that  our  fair  readers  are  more  willing  to  forgive, 
than  we  are  to  digress.  To  Calliste,  the  antici 
pation  of  soon  being  under  the  dear  parental  roof, 
afforded  sufficient  joy  to  render  her  journey  pleas 
ant  and  far  more  disagreeable.  And  it  may  be, 
fair  reader,  that  Louisa  had  some  subject  for  an 
ticipation,  as  well  as  her  worthy  friend,  though 
perhaps  not  the  same ;  but  we  forbear  venturing 
an  opinion  concerning  the  thoughts  which  we 
imagine  were  chasing  each  other  in  her  mind. 
After  months  spent  "  among  the  spindles,"  we 
should  imagine  nothing  could  be  more  acceptable 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  109 

to  the  mind  than  a  journey,  especially  in  an  agree 
able  season  of  the  year,  and  in  the  society  of  a 
pleasant  friend.  How  exilerating  does  the  air  of 
the  country,  freighted  with  rich  fragrance,  prove 
to  the  physical  powers,  and  not  less  so  to  the 
mind.  Unalloyed  by  the  vapors  and  gases  arising 
necessarily  from  a  densely  populated  city,  we 
breathe  the  atmosphere  here  in  all  the  native  pur 
ity  of  that  element,  and  our  lungs  expand  with 
seeming  pleasure  —  opening  to  the  corporeal  fabric 
new  life,  and  imparting  new  energies  to  the  men 
tal  and  physical  organization.  Such  it  proved, 
we  doubt  not,  to  the  fair  and  accomplished  Fac 
tory  Girls,  who  were  enjoying  its  benefits  and 
pleasures.  We  doubt  not,  their  cheeks  displayed 
rose  tints  of  beauty,  which  might  be  kissed  by  a 
seraph  without  polluting  his  lips ! 

The  sun  was  pacing  the  western  horizon,  and 
threw  his  smiles  over  the  beauties  of  nature,  as 
the  stage-coach,  at  length,  after  a  two  days'  jour 
ney,  stopped  before  the  cottage  of  Mr.  Barton, 
and  again  the  feet  of  Calliste  trod  her  native  soil. 
Home,  with  all  its  dear  associations,  greeted  her 
eyes,  and  in  a  moment  she  was  welcomed  with  all 
the  sincere  joy  of  affectionate  regard  by  her 
parents.  The  ceremony  of  introduction  was  over, 
and  Louisa  received  a  hearty  welcome  from  the 
humble,  yet  truly  worthy  parents  of  her  friend, 
and  soon  was  at  home  as  one  of  the  family. 

If  the  heart  of  Calliste  beat  with  warm  sensa 
tions,  at  again  beholding  the  home  of  her  child 
hood,  we  doubt  not  that  of  Louisa  throbbed  with 


110  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

emotions  no  less  sublime,  at  beholding  for  the  first 
time,  the  beauties  of  the  home  among  the  hills, 
which  had  been  so  often  described  to  her  by  her 
friend  and  constant  companion,  and  we  hesitate 
not  to  say,  that  Louisa  found  in  the  unpretending 
family  of  Mr.  Barton,  a  happy  home,  and  more 
real  pleasure  than  she  would  have  realized  from  a 
visit  to  the  most  splendid  mansion,  and  we  believe 
she  found  in  the  humble  fare  of  the  farmer,  more 
choice  viands  than  would  have  been  presented  at 
the  most  sumptuous  board  of  the  more  fastidious 
and  pretending. 

As  we  have  before  observed,  Mr.  Barton  was 
one  of  those  generous  and  noble-hearted  people, 
who  gain  their  bread  with  the  labor  of  their  hands. 
His  remote  seclusion  was  congenial  to  those  feel 
ings  which  alone  can  render  man  truly  happy, — 
piety,  gratitude,  benevolence,  charity,  and  con 
tentment.  And  think  you,  fair  friend,  we  may 
never  find  a  gem  in  the  seclusion  of  the  mountain 
home  ?  We  have  not  told  you  the  beauties  of 
the  mind  of  this  virtuous  and  lovely  Factory  Girl 
in  full,  but  we  shall  unfold  more  as  we  proceed. 
Here  was  her  home,  and  from  the  character  of  the 
scenes  of  her  early  years,  the  mind  at  once  pic 
tures  to  itself  as  the  result  in  Calliste,  a  favorite  of 
Virtue,  and  a  happy  possessor  of  all  those  rich 
ornaments,  mental  as  well  as  personal,  which 
make  woman  an  object  of  esteem,  admiration,  re 
spect,  and  affection. 

Here  we  leave  these  two  amiable  and  interest 
ing  characters  until  our  next  chapter,  as  they  need 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  Ill 

rest*  to  enable  them  to  overcome  the  fatigue  inci 
dent  to  their  journey. 

That  character  which  will  bear  acquaintance, 
and  from  day  to  day  gain  our  admiration  as  a 
friend  of  virtue  and  purity,  will  never  be  a  dan 
gerous  companion.  We  may  rest  assured,  that 
such  an  one  will  prove  a  true  friend.  And  such 
an  one  alone  should  gain  our  confidence.  We 
are  apt,  especially  among  strangers,  to  accept 
every  offer  of  friendship,  and  confide  in  an  un 
known  heart,  when,  in  fact,  self-interest  or  decep 
tion,  in  some  form,  is  at  the  bottom  of  the  heart 
of  our  professed  friend.  We  can  never  be  too 
cautious  on  this  point,  for  when  once  caught  in  a 
snare  by  the  art  of  the  stranger,  like  a  wounded 
bird,  we  may  flutter  in  vain,  while  the  destroyer 
laughs  at  our  sorrow,  and  scorns  that  credulity  by 
which  we  were  taken. 

Trust  not,  the  heart,  'till  thou  hast  found 

The  seal  of  Virtue  there, 
For  flattery  has  a  magic  sound 
That  seems  divinely  fair. 

Thy  dream  of  excellence  will  fade 

When  sorrow's  hour  shall  come, 
And  thou  shalt  find  thyself  betray'd, 

And  misery  seal  thy  doom. 

O  !  trust  it  not  —  the  stranger's  heart, 

But  first  its  meaning  prove ; 
Then,  if  it  bears  no  subtle  art, 

'T  is  worthy  of  thy  love. 

Be  this  thy  happy  lot,  fair  reader,  —  to  find  a 
friend  alone  in  one  worthy  of  thy  friendship,  and 


112  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

to  give  thy  heart  and  hand  alone  to  one  who  can 
appreciate  thy  worth  as  woman,  and  present  thee 
the  reality  of  a  virtuous  and  true  affection — that 
affection  which  grows  brighter  and  brighter  on 
earth,  and  ripens  in  its  full  beauty  in  heaven. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 


Childhood's  home  ! 
Though  in  the  bosom  of  obscurity, 
Thy  lone  seclusion  ;  though  unnamed  the  spot 
Where  stands  thy  humble  cottage,  thou  art  dear, 
And  we  shall  ever  love  thee,  till  we  sink 
Into  the  dust  forgotten  ! 

AURORA  had  scarce  mounted  her  oriental  char 
iot,  on  the  day  after  the  arrival  of  Calliste  and 
Louisa  at  the  cottage  of  the  father  of  the  former, 
ere  Calliste  had  arisen,  and  after  her  private  devo 
tions,  leaving  her  friend  to  enjoy  another  hour  of 
sleep,  she  found  her  way  down  beside  the  beauti 
ful  stream  to  the  place  where  she  had  first  parted 
with  Marcus,  (now  Dr.  Hartwell.)  The  scene 
was  as  fresh  to  her  mind  as  though  the  occurrence 
of  but  yesterday , —  and  with  what  emotions  did 
she  recount  in  her  memory  the  confession  and  the 
pledge,  which  thence  was  borne  on  high,  to  be 
registered  there  !  But  where  was  the  young  stu 
dent,  who  at  present,  as  then,  was  dearest  to  her 
guileless  heart  of  any  being  on  earth  ?  He  was 
far  away,  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
and  in  his  work  of  benevolence  and  love  for  hu 
manity.  He  was  perhaps  beside  the  couch  of  the 


114  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

sick,  striving  to  buffet  the  ravages  of  disease  —  to 
alleviate  the  pangs  and  tortures  of  a  merciless 
malady,  and  to  minitser  to  the  necessities  of  the 
subjects  of  sorrow  and  misery.  The  lives  of  fellow 
beings  were  in  his  hands,  and  one  wrong  prescrip 
tion  might  send  a  soul  into  eternity !  And  was 
the  beautiful  and  lovely  Calliste  willing  to  share 
the  trials,  perplexities  and  anxieties  in  common 
with  the  few  pleasures  of  a  physician's  life,  and 
to  become  the  bosom  companion  of  one  in  this 
capacity  ?  Our  readers  will  see  as  we  proceed. 
But  he  was  far  away,  and  the  thought  perhaps,  or 
at  least  the  hope  that  they  soon  should  meet,  af 
forded  no  little  satisfaction  to  a  heart  inclined  to 
constant  and  devoted  love,  as  was  that  of  Calliste. 
She  had  voluntarily  given  her  unreserved  affec 
tions,  and  the  promise  of  her  hand  to  the  object 
of  her  early  choice,  and  it  is  enough  to  say,  she 
had  proved  faithful. 

And  perhaps  as  she  returned  to  the  cottage 
from  her  walk,  the  pleasures  of  hope  filled  the 
mind  of  our  fair  friend,  as  she  looked  forward  to 
the  time  that  should  see  her  the  bride  of  Doctor 
Hartwell.  As  she  returned,  Louisa  had  just  arisen, 
and  somewhat  recovered  from  the  fatigue  of  her 
journey,  she  seemed  cheerful  and  happy.  Break 
fast,  and  the  family  devotions  were  soon  conclu 
ded,  and  a  walk  was  proposed  by  Calliste,  to 
which  her  friend  readily  assented.  As  they  roam 
ed  over  the  fields,  the  orchard,  the  meadow,  and 
through  the  sylvan  recesses  of  the  forest,  think 
you  not,  fair  reader,  they  found  pleasure  in  trac- 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  H5 

ing  the  various  and  beautiful  works  of  the  great 
Creator?  Who,  indeed,  that  possesses  a  love  for 
the  sublime  and  beautiful,  can  fail  to  appreciate 
the  many  charms  of  such  a  retreat?  But  to  the 
mind  of  Calliste,  every  spot  which  they  visited 
was  rendered  dear  by  the  power  of  association. 
She  had  visited  each  bonnie  nook  a,  thousand  times 
before,  and  the  joys  of  childhood's  happy,  and  too 
fleeting  moments,  where  in  company  with  her 
brother,  now  far  away,  she  had  wandered  o  'er  hill 
and  dale,  were  recalled  by  memory,  to  heighten 
the  interest  of  the  occasion.  Every  nook  and 
corner  was  visited  by  her,  and  afforded  in  rapid 
succession  its  individual  associations  to  the  mind. 
Thus  they  enjoyed  many  a  pleasant  walk  from 
day  to  day,  and  each  day  found  something  new 
for  the  mind  of  Louisa.  With  joy  now,  as  ever 
heretofore,  did  friends  hail  Calliste,  and  her  old 
school-mates  and  acquaintances  who  remained, 
greeted  her  as  an  old  favorite  among  them,  and 
such  she  was,  But  time  had  wrought  its  changes 
in  the  progress  of  rolling  years,  and,  as  is  ever  the 
case  after  even  a  short  absence,  various  new  faces 
and  new  scenes  presented  themselves. 

How  great,  indeed,  the  changes  which  only  a 
few  years  will  produce  in  the  appearance  of  places, 
as  well  as  in  the  circumstances  of  individuals ! 
The  friends  of  our  early  youth  —  those  near  and 
dear  to  us  by  many  and  fond  associations,  where 
are  they  ?  Echo  answers,  "  Where  ? "  Some  have 
removed  to  other  climes  ;  some  have  entered  the 
gates  of  matrimony ;  and  alas,  not  a  few  are 


116 


THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 


sleeping  in  the  dust !  Yet  we  love  their  memory, 
and  as  we  drop  the  tear  over  their  hallowed  ashes, 
we  are  led  to  reflect  that  we  too  are  mortal.  As 
we  read  their  names  upon  the  urn,  we  are  remind 
ed  that  soon  we  too  must  be  there.  Their  tomb 
stone  is  a  mirror  upon  which  we  may  read  our 
own  fate,  in  common  with  mortality.  Alas  !  the 
loved  and  lost,  dear  to  our  hearts  still,  have  left 
many  blanks  in  our  catalogue  of  choice  spirits. 
And  the  scenes  of  youth,  where  are  they  ?  Gone, 
with  some  of  the  actors,  into  eternity !  New 
scenes  are  developed,  as  the  curtain  of  the  future 
is  raised,  day  by  day,  but  are  they  fraught  with 
that  interest  which  characterised  those  of  our 
youth  ?  Perhaps  not ;  but  still  we  have  our  favor 
ite  scenes,  as  well  as  our  chosen  friends.  But  we 
ever  fondly  read  upon  the  great  tomb-stone  of  the 
Past,  those  names  and  their  associations,  which 
will  remain  dear  to  us,  until  our  hearts  shall  cease 
their  vibrations,  and  we  follow  the  loved  and  lost 
to  eternity!  We  cannot — we  would  not  forget 
them  ! 

How  sweet  the  memory  of  the  days, 
When  youth  was  gliding  swift  away  ! 
How  dear  each  scene  forever  gone, 
Borne  in  Time's  car  so  swiftly  on  ! 
Each  name  so  sweet,  forever  lost, 
Tells  how  the  gold  may  turn  to  dross  ! 
And  fading  beauty  drops  a  tear, 
For  those  more  beautiful,  so  dear  ! 
While  Virtue  on  her  spotless  page, 
Shall  name  them  to  the  latest  age  ! 

It  was  seemingly  but  a  short  time,  to  the  mind 
of  Calliste,  since  she  was  in  all  the  mirth  of  child- 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR. 

hood,  chasing  the  butterfly  from  flower  to  flower, 
and  with  her  brother,  enjoying  all  those  innocent 
sports  which  characterize  that  age.  And  the 
school  house,  in  which  she  had  spent  many  a  happy 
moment,  was  that  forgotten  ?  By  no  means ;  it 
was  visited,  and  though  changed  in  appearance,  it 
found  still  many  a  charm  as  links  to  bind  the  past 
to  her  memory.  And  all  these  favorite  haunts 
which  she  had  visited  a  thousand  times  with  her 
playmates,  were  visited  now,  and  each  one  told 
its  tale  of  the  past  to  her  mind — all  were  dear. 
How  sweet  indeed  the  memory  of  the  associations 
of  school  days !  We  cherish  them  as  the  happiest 
of  life ;  for  then,  free  from  those  innumerable 
cares  and  perplexities  which  burthen  the  mind  in 
after  life,  we  spent  our  time  in  the  pursuit  of 
knowledge  and  pleasure  alternately.  But  they 
are  gone,  and  we  are  now  upon  the  stage  of  ac 
tion. 

Thus  did  Calliste  and  Louisa  spend  their  days 
agreeably  for  a  length  of  time,  but  perhaps  there 
was  still  some  desideratum  unattained  —  some  ob 
ject  absent,  necessary  to  their  full  measure  of  hap 
piness.  But  still  they  were  happy,  and  the  time 
passed  rapidly,  and  as  it  were  unobserved.  They 
must  visit  friends,  and  receive  and  return  calls, 
and  a  thousand  things  claimed  and  divided  their 
attention,  for  Louisa  had  at  length  become  an 
object  of  interest,  and  she  found  also  objects  of 
interest  reciprocal,  among  which  to  divide  her  at 
tention,  as  time  brought  its  various  scenes. 

It  was  Saturday  night,  and  the  inmates  of  the 


118  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

humble  cottage  of  Farmer  Barton  were  seated  be 
fore  a  warm  fire,  enjoying  the  season  of  calm  se 
renity  of  mind  which  such  occasions  afford,  in 
social  conversation.  The  labors  of  the  week  were 
finished,  and  the  hour,  than  which  few  are  sweeter, 
was  ushered  in  with  a  hearty  welcome  by  all. 
Supper  had  been  taken,  and  now  the  happy  fam 
ily  were  preparing  for  their  evening  devotions. 
They  were  seated,  and  the  family  bible  was  taken 
from  its  place,  to  furnish  a  chapter  for  food  for 
their  souls.  But  before  reading,  their  attention 
was  called  to  a  slight  rap  at  the  door,  which  de 
noted  the  presence  of  some  one  who  wished  ad 
mittance.  The  response  "  Come  in,"  was  scarcely 
given,  ere  the  door  opened,  and  —  Edwin  Barton 
entered  !  Calliste  recognized  him  first,  and  in  a 
moment  was  in  her  brother's  embrace.  He  was 
warmly  greeted,  of  course,  by  his  parents,  and 
soon  he  was  introduced  by  Calliste,  to  Louisa. 
We  need  not  say  that  their  meeting  was  one  of 
joy,  and  that  the  prayers  which  ascended  from  the 
cottage  that  evening,  were  those  of  sincere  grati 
tude,  and  from  humble  and  contrite  hearts. 

Edwin  had  completed  his  theological  studies  at 

B ,  in  the  state  of  Maine,  and  was  soon  to 

take  holy  orders.  He  had  returned  to  spend  a 
few  weeks  at  the  residence  of  his  parents,  that  he 
might  recruit  his  health,  which  was  then  precari 
ous,  as  his  pale  countenance  indicated.  He  had 
studied  hard,  and  had  now  passed  through  the 
prescribed  course  preparatory  to  his  entering  the 
ministry. 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  119 

To  Louisa  we  may  suppose  this  was  an  unex 
pected  meeting,  as  well  as  to  Calliste,  but  perhaps 
it  was  not  the  less  agreeable.  Long  did  they  con 
verse,  until  at  length  the  clock  admonished  them, 
and  as  they  retired  to  rest,  their  various  emotions 
we  shall  not  be  expected  to  divine,  but  suffice  it 
to  say,  they  were  not,  we  believe,  disagreeable. 

The  morning  of  the  holy  Sabbath  dawned  with 
a  peculiar  brightness ;  the  exercises  of  the  morn 
ing  around  the  altar  were  finished,  and  the  sound 
of  the  church-bell  broke  upon  their  ears  with  a 
hallowed  melody.  They  made  preparations  to 
visit  the  sanctuary,  and  as  it  was  but  a  short  dis 
tance,  they  choose  to  walk,  and  accordingly  were 
soon  in  the  "  same  old  church,"  where  all  save 
Louisa  had  so  often  sat,  and  listened  to  the  voice 
of  the  venerable  man  of  God,  who  had  presided 
over  the  church  for  a  series  of  years.  The  servi 
ces  of  the  forenoon  were  completed,  and  the  ex 
ercises  of  the  Sabbath  School  gained  the  attention 
of  Calliste  and  her  friend,  while  Edwin,  by  request 
of  the  Pastor,  retired  to  the  parsonage. 

The  afternoon  found  Edwin  in  the  sacred  desk, 
addressing  the  attentive  audience  which  had  that 
day  gathered  to  worship.  His  whole  soul  seemed 
to  expand,  and  true  eloquence  —  such  as  alone 
flows  from  a  true  spirit,  fell  from  his  lips,  as  eager 
ears  caught  every  word  and  bore  it  to  the  heart. 
His  appeals  were  answered  by  the  penitential  tear, 
and  the  word  was  blessed  to  many,  we  doubt  not, 
who  came  for  novelty  up  to  the  sanctuary. 

And  think  you,  kind  reader,  that  Calliste  re- 


120  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

gretted  at  that  hour,  ever  becoming  a  Factory 
Girl,  that  a  beloved  brother  might  stand  in  the 
desk  and  proclaim  the  news  of  free  salvation  to 
those  around,  who  were  still  treading  the  down 
ward  road  to  ruin  ?  Was  not  the  joy  of  that  hour, 
even,  ample  compensation  for  all  her  labors  of 
love,  even  through  years  of  toil  ?  We  anticipate 
your  answer,  and  need  not  pause  for  a  reply. 
And  those  humble  and  devoted  parents  —  we  can 
not  analyze  their  feelings  !  Was  not  that  moment 
a  rich  reward  for  all  their  instructions  and  precepts 
to  their  beloved  son  in  early  years  ?  We  believe 
it  was.  The  exercises  of  the  day  were  closed, 
and  the  worthy  family  of  Mr.  Barton  returned  to 
the  humble  cottage  to  spend  the  sweet  remnant 
of  holy  time,  as  became  the  occasion. 

And  this,  fair  reader,  was  to  a  great  degree,  the 
result  of  the  labors  of  a  Factory  Girl.  But  for 
her,  Edwin  had  never  been  able  to  prepare  for  the 
duties  of  his  holy  calling.  But  for  her,  he  had 
not  that  day  stood  in  the  sacred  desk  in  his  own 
native  village.  But  for  her,  the  cause  of  religion 
had,  comparatively,  lost  an  able  advocate.  Who 
then  will  dare  speak  in  other  than  exalted  terms 
of  a  class,  which  affords  not  merely  one,  but  very 
many  equally  noble  and  praiseworthy  examples  ? 

But  excellence, 

Tho'  rendered  by  a  selfish  world  obscure, 
Shall  never  sleep  forgot !     True  merit  needs 
No  trump  of  fame  to  tell  it  o'er  the  land, 
But,  though  not  here  it  meet  its  rich  reward, 
It  still  shall  stand  conspicuously  bright, 
When  Virtue  gives,  by  her  certificate, 
Unfading  laurels  ! 


CHAPTER  XV. 


Their  hearts  united,  —  and  a  stream 
Of  pure  affection  rolled  between ; 
While  Virtue  placed  her  seal  so  fair, 
And  smiled  to  see  its  halo  there  ! 

AGAIN  had  night  let  fall  her  stellated  curtains, 
and  the  beauties  of  an  evening's  silence  were 
ushered  in.  The  winds  of  autumn  whistled  around 
the  lonely  and  weather-beaten  cottage,  bringing 
to  the  mind  a  kind  of  sweet  melancholly,  which  is 
far  from  disagreeable,  at  least  to  us.  But  while 
Old  Boreas  blew  his  blast,  and  made  harsh  discord 
in  the  music  of  his  voice,  and  the  accompani 
ment  of  its  effects  upon  surrounding  objects,  the 
smile  of  Laura  played  upon  the  scene,  forgetful, 
seemingly,  that  Nature  had  taken  a  severe  chill, 
and  her  limbs  shivered  and  were  benumbed  by  its 
influence.  But  we  have  seen  her  smile  even  bright 
est,  when  the  breeze  bore  upon  its  bosom  the  last 
sigh  of  departing  beauty,  and  nature  wept  at  the 
devastation  which  the  iron  hand  of  destruction 
had  wrought  upon  her  charms,  and  upon  the 
couch  of  woe,  as  well  as  the  nuptial  hour,  she 
lends  her  smiles  with  equal  profusion.  Morpheus 


122  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

had  locked  the  human  family,  at  least  those  in 
this  hemisphere,  in  her  embrace,  save  a  few,  who 
from  want,  sickness,  or  inclination,  kept  their  silent 
vigils,  and  slept  not.  All  was  still,  save  the  com 
motion  of  a  frantic  element,  and  at  such  an  hour 
we  find  the  most  pleasant  season  that  offers  itself, 
when  no  study  calls,  and  no  mortal  demands  our 
aid.  Then  we  ever  delight  in  the  silence  of  night, 
to  find  an  hour  for  reflection,  meditation  or  study, 
or  to  pen  a  sketch  from  observation,  or  a  thought 
for  friends.  We  are  "  never  less  alone  than  when 
alone,"  for  solitude  has  charms  which  are  by  few 
duly  appreciated.  Her  season  is  too  often  under 
valued,  while  scenes  of  hilarity  gain  the  victory 
over  the  inclination.  Not  so  with  us ;  we  de 
light  to  find  an  hour  for  silent  thought  and  con 
templation,  and  at  such  times  we  spend  very  many 
truly  pleasant  and  happy  moments. 

At  this  hour,  beneath  the  roof  of  the  farmer's 
humble  cottage,  we  propose  to  introduce  a  scene 
to  our  readers.  The  family  had  retired  to  rest, 
save  two,  and  these  are  our  present  characters. 
In  the  small,  yet  neatly  finished  parlor,  upon  an 
old-fashioned  settee,  (which  by  the  way  is  a  very 
comfortable  seat  for  two  or  more,)  sat  a  lady  and 
gentleman,  apparently  engaged  in  conversation. 
The  fire  blazed  upon  the  hearth,  affording  an 
agreeable  warmth  to  the  appartment,  while  upon 
the  walls  might  have  been  seen  a  few  paintings  of 
Scripture  characters  and  incidents,  and  also  some 
minature  sketches,  far  from  accurate,  of  members 
of  the  family.  A  few  books,  mostly  of  a  religious 


GARDE Z    LA    CffiUR.  123 

character,  lay  upon  the  mantel-piece,  and  the  fur 
niture  was  of  a  kind  which,  though  not  costly, 
was  nevertheless  elegant  in  its  simplicity.  Every 
thing  was  arranged  with  an  accurate  precision, 
indicating  a  trait  in  the  character  of  the  worthy 
mistress  of  the  house,  which  never  fails  to  gain 
admiration.  An  old  clock,  which  by  its  appear 
ance,  had  probably  ticked  more  than  one  genera 
tion  into  eternity,  still  kept  pace  with  the  mo 
ments,  and  was  probably  valued  more  for  time, 
and  its  antiquity,  by  its  owner,  than  for  its  beauty. 
A  mirror  graced  the  walls  of  the  apartment,  which 
was  probably  the  gift  of  some  one  now  pale  in 
death,  as  it  se%med  to  have  shown  very  many  their 
countenances,  who  had  long  since  been  forgotten 
in  the  silence  of  that  sleep  which  knows  no  waking 
in  time.  Indeed,  every  part  of  the  room  bore 
marks  of  age,  in  the  humble,  yet  truly  happy 
family,  to  whom  the  residence  belonged. 

And  who  were  the  lady  and  gentleman  whom 
we  have  introduced,  and  why  were  they  there? 
They  were  Edwin  and  Louisa,  both  characters 
familiar  to  our  readers.  But  why  were  they  there  ? 
Fair  reader,  we  do  not  wish  to  interrupt  their  so 
cial  tcte  a  tete,  and  we  will  tell  you.  You  recol 
lect  that  we  left  them  with  Calliste,  at  the  resi 
dence  of  Mr.  Barton,  and  that  they  were  to  spend 
a  few  weeks  there  in  each  other's  society.  Well, 
Edwin  was  not,  as  would  seem,  entirely  invul 
nerable  to  the  charms  of  beauty,  and  mental  as 
well  as  moral  excellence.  From  the  moment  of 
his  acquaintance  with  Louisa,  he  had  not  found  in 


124  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

her  a  being  whose  society  was  by  any  means  dis 
agreeable.  He  had  studied  her  character,  and  he 
admired  that  noble  and  virtuous  mind  which 
found  a  home  in  so  beautiful  a  tenement.  He 
had  hitherto  warded  off  the  shafts  of  Cupid,  but 
now  he  found  a  pang  about  his  heart  from  one  of 
the  rogue's  sharp-pointed  arrows,  which,  (minister 
though  he  was,)  could  not  be  cured  by  medicinal 
agents.  He  admired  her  character  and  pleasing 
address,  and  we  are  not  indeed  surprised  at  his 
feelings.  She  was  in  every  way  calculated  to 
make  home  happy,  and  such  an  one  does  the 
professional  man  need,  if  any  one,  for  a  bosom 
companion.  She  had  not,  it  is  true*  been  long  in 
his  society,  but  she  had  not,  hitherto,  been  entirely 
unacquainted  with  him,  arid  if  she  found  in  her 
heart  feelings  congenial  with  his,  who  will  be  sur 
prised  ?  Louisa's  heart  was  made  for  the  resi 
dence  of  a  deep  and  lasting  affection,  and  she 
was  one  of  those  beings  who  yield  not  their  heart 
at  every  call,  but  when  they  do  place  their  affec 
tions  upon  an  object,  they  love  for  ever !  Jt  is 
but  sheer  justice  to  add,  that  kindred  principles 
and  feelings  swayed  the  heart  of  Edwin. 

That  affection  should  be  founded  in  reason,  and 
the  exercise  of  the  sober  judgment,  no  one,  we 
presume,  will  deny  ;  for  passion,  when  suffered  to 
predominate,  makes  havoc  of  the  heart,  and 
proves,  not  unfrequently.  the  ruin  of  all  that  is 
held  dear  in  life. 

That  love  which  commences  with  deliberation, 
and  increases  in  strength  in  a  constant  attach- 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  125 

meat,  and  which  finds  an  approval  in  virtue,  alone 
is  valuable, — for  the  blaze  of  passion,  unrefined 
by  reason  or  virtue,  soon  sinks  in  a  frozen  region, 
where  all  is  darkness  to  the  heart,  and  all  the  rays 
of  light  from  the  beacon  of  hope,  even,  are  shut 
out. 

That  Edwin  and  Louisa  had  formed  favorable 
opinions  of  each  other,  during  their  short  ac 
quaintance,  was  indeed  true,  and  perhaps  Calliste 
was  not  unwilling  to  own  Louisa  as  a  sister,  in 
every  sense  of  the  word.  But  we  will  not  accuse 
her  of  interfering  in  any  way,  though  we  believe 
she  was  pleased  with  the  evident  attachment  still 
unconfessed. 

Calliste  loved  Louisa  with  a  sister's  affection  ; 
nor  is  this  surprising,  since  they  had  for  so  long  a 
time  enjoyed  each  other's  society,  and  an  un 
broken  friendship  had  bound  them  together  from 
their  first  acquaintance.  And  with  pleasure  may 
we  suppose  Calliste  marked  the  symptoms  of  mu 
tual  affection  between  her  brother  and  Louisa, 
which  led  her  to  anticipate  a  result  highly  satis 
factory  to  her  mind. 

But  Louisa  was  a  Factory  Girl.  And  did  this 
young  minister  consider  her  good  enough  for 
him  1  Why  did  he  not  look  higher  for  a  compan 
ion  than  in  the  lower  class  ?  Where,  kind  reader, 
we  would  ask,  can  you  find  a  higher  class  than 
that  composed  of  the  humble,  beautiful  and  virtu 
ous  ?  Tell  us,  and  we  will  hope  to  become 
initiated  there  ;  but  tell  us  not  of  real  worth, 
where  the  gems  of  virtue  are  not  found. 


126  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

In  each  other's  society,  Edwin  and  Louisa 
seemed  most  happy,  and  we  shall  not  presume  to 
tell  of  the  many  long  walks  which  they  enjoyed 
either  alone,  or  accompanied  by  Calliste,  nor  of 
the  many  social  and  mutually  agreeable  hours 
which  they  enjoyed  in  each  other's  society  ;  but 
this  we  would  say  to  our  bachelor  friends,  by  way 
of  caution,  it  is  dangerous  to  the  state  of  single 
blessedness,  to  spend  even  a  short  season  in  com 
pany  with  a  beautiful,  lovely,  and  bewitching 
maiden,  even  though  she  be  a  Factory  Girl,  for 
not  unfrequently,  it  causes  an  affection  of  the 
heart,  which,  though  not  immediately  dangerous, 
is  still  incurable  by  the  art  of  the  physician  ! 
Who,  indeed,  however  grave,  has  not  been  swayed 
at  times,  by  the  power  of  beauty,  and  the  magic 
charm  of  real  worth  ? 

There  is  a  power,  which,  when  'tis  known, 
Can  make  the  "  Lion's  Heart  "  its  own, 
Can  cause  the  cynic  e'en  to  sigh, 
And  own  the  lustre  of  its  eye  ' 

'T  is  Beauty  true,  beneath  whose  shade 
Affection's  flowrets  never  fade  ! 
This  is  the  power  which  onward  calls, 
And  sways  the  fountain  of  the  soul  ! 

'T  is  this  that  triumphs  o'er  the  heart, 
And  asks  of  life  no  better  part  — 
This  only  on  the  human  mind 
Presents  a  slavery  divine  ! 

And  even  this  is  guarded  by 

Affection's  pure  and  piercing  eye  ! 

'T  is  this  which  melts  the  heart  of  stone  — 

The  flame  which  Virtue  calls  her  own1. 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  127 

By  this  power  had  the  heart  of  the  young  min 
ister  been  captivated,  and  his  affection  for  the 
object  of  his  choice  flowed  from  a  pure  and  sin 
cere  heart.  Indeed,  he  was  well  calculated  to 
engage  the  affections  of  one  like  Louisa,  for  as  we 
have  before  observed,  she  ever  demanded  the  seal 
of  virtue,  as  a  prerequisite  to  friendship,  and  in 
his  character  she  saw  many  attractions  which  any 
but  discriminating  minds  seldom  notice.  Thus, 
kind  reader,  they  were,  as  we  should  opine,  well 
calculated,  in  every  respect,  to  render  each 
other  happy  in  the  mutual  relations  of  domestic 
life. 

And  the  scene  which  we  have  introduced  was 
the  result  of  that  affection  which  had  arisen  spon 
taneously,  as  it  were,  in  the  hearts  of  our  friends. 
Edwin  and  Louisa  loved  each  other  with  all  the 
ardor  and  sincerity  which  characterizes  the  heart's 
first,  holiest  affection.  And  this  is  the  hour  in 
which  the  fleeting  moments  are  the  sweetest  of 
life  —  when  the  virtuous  heart  finds  its  feelings  re 
ciprocated.  The  heart  and  hand  of  Edwin  were 
offered,  and  readily  accepted  by  Louisa,  and  as 
he  pressed  her  to  his  bosom,  and  love's  first, 
sweetest,  holiest,  kiss,  was  given,  did  they  "not  en 
joy  the  richest  moment  of  life  ?  Tell  me,  ye  who 
know  !  Long  did  they  converse,  and  the  affection 
of  congenial  hearts  rendered  both  truly  happy. 
They  had  found  at  that  hour  a  theme  for  new  an 
ticipations.  New  prospects  sprang  up  before  them. 
Virtue  was  there,  and  her  seal  was  found  upon 
her  favorites,  to  brighten  anticipation.  And  as 


128  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

they  retired  to  rest,  think  you  not,  fair  reader, 
their  sleep  was  sweet,  and  their  dreams  pleasant? 

Edwin  was  to  be  ordained  as  an  evangelist  in  a 
few  days,  and  in  his  situation,  what  object  could 
be  of  more  importance  than  a  bosom  companion, 
to  cheer  him  in  his  arduous  labors,  and  render 
life  agreeable  and  happy  ?  And  Louisa  was  em 
inently  fitted  to  become  the  companion  of  such 
an  one. 

Of  the  remainder  of  the  time  spent,  at  present, 
in  each  other's  society,  we  have  nothing  to  say, 
but  presume  it  was  far  from  unpleasant;  and 
here  we  leave  them  until  the  next  chapter,  well 
pleased,  thus  far,  with  the  result  of  their  acquaint 
ance. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


While  fond  anticipation  gives 

A  solace  sweet  to  ev'ry  hour. 
How  rich  the  moments  that  can  live 

On  Recollection's  hallowed  power. 

THE  hour  of  separation  follows  the  joy  of  meet 
ing,  and  the  most  pleasing  association  of  kindred 
spirits  finds  its  reverse.  We  left  the  family  of 
Mr.  Barton  together  under  the  paternal  roof,  and 
with  them  the  fair  and  amiable  Louisa  Elliot  as  a 
visiter.  We  next  find  them  separated  —  Calliste 
and  her  friend  again  "  among  the  spindles,"  and 
Edwin  on  a  journey  to  meet  the  session  of  the 
presbytery,  and  the  ordaining  council.  Calliste 
had  visited  the  factory  for  the  last  time,  where  she 
had  spent  so  many  months,  for  she  was  soon  to 
enter  upon  the  scenes  and  duties  of  domestic  life. 
A  portion  of  her  time  was  now  spent  in  assisting 
her  friend  in  her  preparation  for  an  important 
crisis.  To  the  heart  of  Calliste,  what  could  pre 
sent  a  richer  reward  than  the  thoughts  relating  to 
the  past,  and  the  many  anticipations  of  the  future. 
She  had  been  blessed  with  health,  and  her  object 
had  been  thus  far  accomplished,  and  her  anticipa- 


130  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

lions  even  more  than  realized.  Long  had  she 
labored,  subjected  to  many  of  the  vicissitudes  and 
dangers  of  life,  but  she  found  an  ample  compen 
sation  in  the  result  of  those  labors  of  kindness, 
benevolence  and  love.  She  had  assisted  her 
brother  by  the  labor  of  her  hands,  until  at  length 
she  had  seen  him  in  the  sacred  desk.  And  now, 
as  he  was  about  to  locate  by  invitation  in  a  distant 
town,  she  was  happy  in  the  fair  prospect  of  his 
future  usefulness,  and  the  anticipated  union  be 
tween  him  and  her  early  and  well-tried  friend 
Louisa. 

But  what  were  the  feelings  of  Mrs.  Elliot,  when 
she  learned  the  purpose  of  her  beloved  and  accom 
plished  daughter  ?  Had  she  not  previously  learn 
ed  the  character  of  him  who  had  gained  the  heart 
of  Louisa,  they  would  of  course  have  been  far 
different,  but  now,  so  far  as  the  future  prospects 
for  happiness  and  usefulness  were  concerned,  she 
could  have  no  objection  to  the  proposed  union. 
But  must  this  worthy  widow  be  left  alone,  and  de 
prived  of  the  society  and  company  of  her  only 
daughter,  who  had  so  long  been  the  object  of  her 
paternal  solicitude  ?  Must  she  surrender  into  other 
hands  a  jewel  well  worthy  to  find  a  home  in  the 
heart  of  the  best  among  virtue's  children  ?  Moth 
ers,  you  can  analyze  her  feelings !  But  she  was 
willing  to  give  her  consent  to  an  union  which 
promised  so  fair  to  render  the  objects  happy,  tho' 
so  unexpected  was  the  announcement  of  the  inten 
tion,  that  no  wonder  if  it  found  the  tender-hearted 
and  pious  mother  unprepared  to  receive  it. 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  131 

The  silken  cords  which  bind  a  mother's  heart  to 
a  beloved  child,  when  severed,  ever  cause  a  pang 
of  regret  and  deep  sorrow.  Who  indeed  can  truly 
tell  the  feelings  of  a  mother's  bosom,  save  her  who 
sustains  the  dear  relation  ?  A  MOTHER'S  priceless 
love !  — 

Strong  when  all  other  feelings  die, 

Burning  in  absence  brighter  still; 
The  cause  of  many  a  hidden  sigh, 

Ever  the  same,  through  good  or  ill ! 

A  mother's  love  ?  —  name  sweeter  far 

Than  richest  music  to  the  ear ! 
Though  time  or  space  should  thought  debar, 

Still  this  shall  bring  the  object  near  ! 

It  ceases  not  with  joy  to  shine, 

And  show  its  power  upon  the  heart; 

It  sheds  an  influence  benign, 

When  youth  and  beauty  shall  depart ! 

To  Louisa,  the  future  presented  a  bright  side, 
and  with  all  the  buoyancy  of  youthful  hope  did 
she  look  forward  with  anticipations  of  future  hap 
piness.  She  loved,  and  that  love  was  deep  and 
ardent,  and  in  the  full  belief  that  the  object  of  her 
choice  was  worthy  of  her  unreserved  affection,  she 
was  truly  happy.  She  was  now  the  fiancee  of  a 
minister,  whose  brilliant  talents  and  ardent  piety 
had  gained  universal  admiration,  and  she  felt  in  all 
its  weight  and  importance  the  responsibility  which 
she  was  soon  to  assume.  She,  who  had  hitherto 
looked  for  precept  and  example  to  others,  was  to 
occupy  a  station  which  would  demand  of  her  an 
example  for  others  worthy  of  imitation.  But  she 


132  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

was  well  qualified  for  the  task.  Her  mild  and 
winning  deportment,  and  her  deep  and  ardent 
piety  rendered  her  influence  among  her  friends  and 
acquaintances  of  no  small  importance.  She  was 
well  educated,  and  her  moral  as  well  as  intellectual 
worth  rendered  her  a  desirable  companion,  and  a 
faithful  and  true  friend.  Such  was  the  character 
of  this  Factory  Girl,  and  who  will  presume  to  say 
that  she  was  not  worthy  to  become  the  bride  of  any 
one,  however  high  his  station,  or  profound  his  ac 
quirements  ?  All  this  Calliste  knew,  and  why 
should  she  wish  a  more  beautiful  and  worthy  friend 
as  the  bosom  companion  of  her  brother  ?  She  did 
not ;  for  she  well  knew  that  where  pretensions  to 
worth  are  founded  upon  a  name,  or  the  possession 
of  wealth,  the  virtuous  and  humble  need  not  look 
for  a  companion  whose  feelings  shall  be  congenial 
with  their  own.  Thus  did  she  prefer  that  Edwin 
should  become  the  husband  of  this  humble,  beau 
tiful,  virtuous  and  lovely  Factory  Girl,  in  prefer 
ence  to  an  alliance  with  one  of  higher  pretensions. 
yet  far  less  worthy. 

How  beautiful 

That  union  which  fair  Virtue  deigns  to  seal, 
When  true  Affection  in  congenial  hearts 
Hallows  the  tie  !     And  it  is  even  thus 
When  excellence  in  mutual  moral  worth 
Unites  its  beauties  in  a  halo  bright, 
Which  in  expanding  gives  a  light  serene, 
Dear  to  the  interests  of  humanity, 
Yet  sweeter  to  itself. 

They  were  again  in  the  "  City  of  Spindles,"  — 
these  factory  girls  —  where  beauty  attracts  the  eye 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  133 

alike  of  the  virtuous  and  the  vicious.  Many  in 
deed  had  been  the  attempts  of  those  of  the  latter 
class,  to  draw  them  from  the  path  of  rectitude 
into  a  snare;  and  not  a  few  deep-laid  schemes  of 
the  character  of  one  which  we  have  noticed  in  a 
preceding  chapter,  had  found  for  their  objects 
these  lovely  and  beautiful  Factory  Girls.  They 
had  encountered  the  same  importunities  which 
others  in  their  situation  are  subject  to,  but  still 
they  had  preserved  their  integrity,  and  their  virtu 
ous  characters  remained  unsullied  by  a  single  stain. 
They  had  ever  been  on  their  guard  against  those 
fatal  shores  where  hope,  peace,  joy,  fortune,  fame, 
and  all  dear  to  life,  perish.  They  had  seen  the 
destroyer,  and  marked  his  favorite  haunts,  and 
those  enticements  by  which  so  many  victims  are 
secured  in  chains  of  darkness  worse  than  death ; 
and  they  had  avoided  them  all.  Virtue  had  proved 
a  potent  shield,  and  a  safe  defence  from  all  the 
arts  of  the  corrupt  and  designing !  They  had 
avoided  every  place  of  danger,  and  never  did  they 
enter  the  portals  of  the  gates  of  ruin. 

How  many,  alas !  of  the  fair  and  lovely,  fall  by 
one  fatal  step,  which,  when  taken,  was  considered 
perfectly  safe  !  Visiting  the  circles  of  the  gay  and 
fashionable,  the  ball-room,  and  the  many  favorite 
resorts  of  the  fashionable  villain  —  from  these  they 
had  kept  aloof,  knowing  the  safest  way  is  to  shun 
temptation.  This  is  far  belter  than  an  ill-timed 
resistance.  In  their  walks,  especially  in  the  eve 
ning,  though  importuned  by  the  stranger  or  even 
pretended  friend,  with  glib-tongued  "  good  even- 


134  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

ing,"  or  "  shall  I  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you 
home  to-night  ? "  they  ever  refused,  and  thus 
avoided  the  appearance  of  evil. 

The  road  to  ruin  commences  often  very  narrow, 
and  generally  enlarges,  (if  we  may  be  allowed  the 
metaphor.)  The  first  step  does  not  always  prove 
fatal,  but  it  is  dangerous  —  imminently  dangerous, 
and  should  never  be  taken.  There  is  safety  only 
in  the  guidance  of  Virtue. 

Guard  the  heart ! 

A  thousand  snares  are  set  to  prove  thy  fall  ! 
Soft  words  are  hidden  poison,  to  allure 
Thee  to  the  dark  abyss.     Flattery,  a  charm 
Within  whose  bosom  is  a  fatal  deed, 
To  blast  thy  hopes,  is  ever  dangerous  ! 
But  Virtue  gives  a  shield,  an  JEg\s  strong, 
Whose  flame  shall  dim  the  black  destroyer's  sight, 
And  foil  his  arts  malign  ! 

Calliste  and  Louisa  had  many  valuable  friends 
in  the  city,  more  particularly  among  those  of  their 
own  avocation.  They  had  found  very  many  kin 
dred  spirits  and  noble  minds  "among  the  spin 
dles,"  for  the  beautiful  gems  of  moral  and  intel 
lectual  worth  are  found  in  profusion  in  this,  no 
less  than  in  any  other  class.  That  many  a  noble 
heart  beats  in  the  bosom  of  the  humble  operatives 
will  be  seen  by  their  works,  of  which  the  series  of 
incidents  which  we  have  selected  for  narration, 
furnish  but  a  partial  illustration.  Still  we  regret 
to  say,  that  by  some,  this  worthy  class  are  consid 
ered  of  no  more  consequence  than  the  power 
which  moves  the  spindles  !  They  are  valued,  in 
deed,  so  far  as  their  labors  are  concerned,  which. 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  135 

under  a  monopolized  hire,  serve  to  put  wealth  into 
the  coffers  of  the  aristocratic  capitalist ;  but  here, 
even  respect  ends,  in  the  bosoms  of  very  many  of 
the  minions  of  Mammon,  and  lovers  of  caste ! 
Horrid  mockery  of  the  equal  rights  of  humanity  ! 
Vile  lordlings !  who  would  fain  compromise  the 
rights  of  fellow-beings  to  pamper  pride  !  What 
think  ye  ?  Were  ye  on  other  soil  than  that  where 
Freedom  was  purchased  at  the  point  of  the  bayo 
net  and  the  cannon's  mouth,  and  the  doctrine  of 
"  equal  rights,"  sealed  with  blood,  ye  need  not 
blush  so  deeply  with  shame  !  But  here,  shame  on 
the  vile  being  who  would  fain  raise  an  aristocracy 
to  curse  the  land  !  The  wrongs  of  Factory  Girls 
shall  not  always  sleep  forgotten,  and  the  instru 
ment  of  high-handed  monopoly  go  unchecked ! 
No !  the  indignant  frown  of  Heaven  shall  smite 
the  vile  and  ignoble  slave  to  Mammon  and  pride, 
who  would  dare  even  to  sell  his  country's  freedom 
for  gold  !  Ye  would  keep  the  humble  and  virtu 
ous  factory  girl  in  a  state  of  degradation,  little 
above  the  beasts  that  perish,  were  it  in  your  power  ! 
Forget  not  that  injured  excellence  and  real  worth 
shall  rise  in  majesty,  when  your  ignoble  name 
shall  sink  in  darkness  ! 

The  preparations  for  the  scene  which  will  be 
introduced  in  the  next  chapter,  were  at  length 
completed,  and  Louisa  was  anticipating  the  arrival 
of  Edwin.  He  had  been  ordained  and  set  apart 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  by  letter  she  had 

learned  that  he  would  soon  visit  L ,  to  claim 

her  hand  in  marriage.     He  came,  and  all  prelimi 


THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

naries  were  settled,  the  consent  of  Mrs.  Elliot  ob 
tained.  And  here  we  leave  them  until  the  next 
chapter,  happy  in  anticipation  and  in  each  other's 
society. 

But  what  shall  we  say  of  Calliste  ?  What  were 
her  feelings  at  that  time  ?  Was  she,  too,  happy  ? 
She  anticipated  the  arrival  of  Dr.  Hartwell,  accord 
ing  to  invitation,  and  she  was  indeed  truly  happy 
—  not  merely  in  view  of  her  own  prospects,  but  in 
the  result  of  her  exertions.  She  had  procured  a 
valuable  Library  for  the  use  of  her  brother,  as  a 
parting  gift,  and  though  she  was  soon  to  find  her 
self  deprived  of  the  society  of  her  faithful  and 
long-loved  friend  Louisa,  and  though  Edwin  was 
to  be  located  at  a  distance,  yet  she  was  to  find  a 
still  nearer  and  dearer  friend  —  a  bosom  compan 
ion —  in  the  one  whom  she  had  so  long  loved,  and 
to  whom  she  was  so  faithfully  devoted. 

How  rich  the  blessing  of  a  deed 
Which  gives  relief  in  time  of  need  ! 
Which  pours  the  balm  in  Sorrow's  breast, 
And  soothes  the  aching  head  to  rest ! 
A  deed  though  trifling,  in  its  time, 
May  bring  a  cup  of  joy  sublime  ! 
And  thus  for  joy  we  often  flee, 
Meek-eyed  Benevolence,  to  thee. 


*The  bridal  scene,  a  crisis  proves, 

Of  life,  a  most  important  hour, 
When  hearts  that  beat  with  mutual  love, 

Unite  in  Virtue's  hallowed  power! 

STERN  WINTER  had  again  unlocked  his  maga* 
£ines,  and  shrouded  the  earth  in  a  mantle  of  the 
purest  white,  while  the  liquid  stream  murmured 
beneath  its  fetters  of  ice,  and  the  winds  from  a 
frigid  region  whistled  their  shrill  notes  as  they 
bore  the  piercing  frost  of  a  northern  clime  upon 
their  heavy  wings.  Again  were  heard  the  merry 
notes  of  the  sleigh-bells,  and  young  hearts,  unfet* 
tered  by  the  cold,  found  pleasure  in  the  scenes  of 
the  season.  The  river  was  covered  with  its  usual 
frozen  veil,  and  the  skater  wound  his  rapid  way 
upon  its  glassy  surface.  Though  Sol  refused  not 
his  accustomed  rays,  yet,  his  smiles  falling  ob 
liquely  upon  the  earth,  lost  their  warmth,  and  yet 
cast  no  reflections  that  they  had  deprived  the 
face  of  nature  of  a  very  powerful  cosmetic.  But 
still,  as  we  have  before  observed,  Winter  has  many 
charms  for  us.  We  love  its  long  evenings,  those 
rich,  stellated,  beautiful  evenings  which  offered  so 
9 


138  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

many  scenes  of  interest,  amid  the  throng,  or 
around  the  social  fireside.  We  love  the  powerful 
sedative  of  cold,  even,  for  it  proves  agreeable, 
even  more  so  than  the  heat  of  mid-summer.  Nor 
indeed  does  Dame  Nature  appear  less  beautiful  in 
her  simple  robe  of  white,  the  emblem  of  inno 
cence,  than  in  her  gorgeous  summer  apparel,  va 
riegated  with  so  many  rich  hues ;  yes,  Winter  has 
indeed  many  charms  for  us,  though  some  may 
deem  it  a  gloomy  and  uninteresting  season  —  we 
love  it  still,  with  all  those  dear  associations  which 
come  in  its  train.  The  singing-school —  the  lyce- 
um  —  the  social  circle,  and  all  those  scenes  which 
render  life  agreeable,  impart  to  Winter  many 
charms,  and  above  all,  the  hours  furnished  for 
study,  meditation,  reading,  and  the  many  et  ceteras 
which  the  literary  character  finds  congenial  to  his 
feelings  —  for  these,  who  would  not  pay  a  hearty 
and  happy  tribute  to  this  agreeable  and  accepta 
ble  season  ? 

Such  was  the  time  in  which  we  now  introduce 
to  our  readers  a  scene  in  the  city  of  L  — .  At 
an  early  hour  in  the  evening  a  small  party  of  in 
vited  guests,  composed  of  friends  and  acquaintan 
ces,  were  assembled  in  the  parlor  of  a  mansion  on 

street,  and  we  need  not  say,  the  residence 

of  Mrs.  Elliot.  It  was  a  beautiful  evening,  and 
the  elements  were  hushed  to  rest.  But  there  were 
hearts  there  which  beat,  no  doubt,  with  peculiar 
emotions,  such  indeed  as  they  never  experienced 
before.  We  need  not  say  it  was  the  wedding 
party  which  had  assembled,  to  witness  the  cere- 


GARDEZ    LA    COEUR.  139 

mony  which  should  unite  Edwin  and  Louisa  in  an 
holy,  happy  union,  than  which  earth  furnishes  no 
dearer  tie.  But  why  did  the  bosom  of  the  fair 
and  lovely  Calliste  beat  with  hope  and  fear,  at  that 
time,  when  of  all  others  it  should  have  throbbed 
with  joy  ?  We  will  tell  you :  the  hour  appointed 
for  the  ceremony  was  near  at  hand,  and  one  of 
the  party  was  missing.  It  was  Dr.  Hartwell  — 
and  she  feared  he  would  not  be  there.  And  why  ? 
Was  he  not  still  faithful  ?  Had  he  no  anxiety  to 
be  present  on  the  occasion  ?  Had  he  forgotten 
the  appointment  ?  or  had  he  met  with  accidents 
on  his  journey  ?  These,  with  a  thousand  other 
inquiries,  suggested  themselves  to  the  mind  of 
Calliste.  And  were  either  of  them  true  ?  Far 
from  it?  He  was  a  physician;  and  this  simple 
fact  is  amply  sufficient  to  dispel  all  doubt.  The 
physician  cannot  always  leave  his  patients  at  will. 
He  must  never  suffer  self-grati faction  to  forego 
duty.  His  is  an  arduous  task,  the  whole  truth  of 
which  Calliste  had  yet  to  learn.  But  he  might 
himself  be  sick,  and  unable  to  be  present,  and  we 
do  not  so  much  wonder  if  the  feelings  of  the  true- 
hearted  and  lovely  Calliste  were  far  from  agreea 
ble.  That  love  which,  like  hers,  is  pure  and  ar 
dent,  finds  a  sweet  tenderness  and  solicitude  which 
none  but  those  who  truly  love,  can  ever  experi 
ence  towards  the  object  of  their  affection.  It  is 
a  self-sacrificing  spirit,  which  is  willing  to  forego 
every  pleasure,  if  thereby  the  happiness  of  the 
object  may  be  secured. 


140  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

He  came  at  last  —  but  a  few  moments  before 
the  appointed  time  —  and  Calliste  was  happy. 

The  long  looked-for  moment  had  now  corne, 
and  before  the  man  of  God  stood  Edwin  and 
Louisa,  to  take  upon  themselves  those  solemn  vows 
which  were  to  unite  them  forever.  Dr.  Hartwell 
and  Calliste  served  them  as  grooms-man  and 
bride's  maid,  as  had  been  previously  arranged. 

How  fraught  with  deep  and  hallowed  interest 
is  the  hour  in  which  kindred  spirits  are  united  in 
an  union  indissoluble,  save  by  the  hand  of  Death  ! 
—  when  by  mutual  agreement  the  solemn  pledge 
is  given,  and  young  hearts  assume  the  sacred  re 
lations  of  husband  and  wife  !  — when  life's  voyage  is 
commenced  together  by  virtuous  and  pious  souls, 
sealed  to  each  other  by  the  potent  name  of  true 
affection  !  It  is  a  scene  indeed  of  deep  interest, 
and  fraught  with  high  hopes  and  sublime  antici 
pations  of  future  happiness.  Then,  Virtue  smiles 
upon  her  children  ! 

Happy  indeed  that  hour  so  sweet, 
Which  renders  every  joy  complete 
When  Virtue's  votaries  combine 
To  form  an  union  sweet,  benign  ! 

Together  in  an  holy  tie, 
To  live  in  peace,  in  peace  to  die  ; 
While  Heaven  the  union  shall  approve,. 
And  own  the  gein  of  faithful  love  ! 

The  ceremony  was  concluded,  and  the  beauti 
ful  and  accomplished  Louisa  —  the  humble  Fac 
tory  Girl  —  was  the  bride  of  Rev.  Mr.  Barton. 
She  appeared  at  that  time  more  lovely  than  ever ; 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR. 


141 


her  sparkling  eyes  threw  a  light  of  joy  upon  her 
fair  face,  and  a  bewitching  and  fascinating  expres 
sion  told  the  deep  and  fervent  flame  which  burned 
in  her  bosom.  True  affection  was  there,  and  the 
chain  had  been  sealed  which  united  her  forever  to 
the  object  of  her  choice.  No  appearance  of  os 
tentation  marred  the  ceremony  by  its  negative 
qualities,  but  simplicity  lent  her  store  of  beauties 
to  grace  the  scene.  Louisa  was  happy,  and  in 
deed  we  hesitate  not  to  say  the  same  spirit  per 
vaded  every  heart  present,  though  doubtless  in 
various  degrees.  And  did  not  Edwin  take  pride 
in  owning  the  beautiful  and  lovely  Factory  Girl 
as  his  bride  and  the  future  companion  of  his  bo 
som  ?  Our  readers  will  enjoy  their  own  opinion 
in  relation  to  the  question. 

The  party  had  broken  up,  after  the  usual  con 
gratulations,  and  the  family  had  all  retired  to  rest, 
save  one  couple,  who  still  remained  in  the  parlor, 
seated  upon  a  sofa,  enjoying  a  season,  which  those 
who  have  been  in  like  situations  know  well  how 
to  prize  —  we  need  hardly  to  say  they  were  Dr. 
Hartwell  and  Calliste.  They  had  been  absent 
from  each  other  for  some  length  of  time,  and  were 
now  again  soon  to  part  once  more  for  a  season, 
and  affection  finds  a  thousand  themes  for  conver 
sation.  And  was  Calliste  now  less  happy  than 
when  he  first  pressed  her  to  his  fond  bosom,  and 
imprinted  the  first  kiss  of  love  upon  her  cheek  ? 
We  believe  she  was  not,  for  now  she  had  found 
him  faithful  to  the  holy  trust  of  affection,  and  they 
both  anticipated  a  scene  not  far  distant,  similar  to 


142  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

the  occasion  of  the  evening  which  they  had  wit 
nessed  with  so  much  pleasure,  in  which  they  were 
to  act  a  part  even  more  conspicuous  and  interest 
ing  than  that  in  which  they  had  figured  at  the  pres 
ent  time.  They  were  happy  —  truly  happy,  if 
such  circumstances  can  afford  true  happiness  to 
congenial  spirits  and  mutual  hearts.  Calliste, 
though  years  had  passed  since  she  enjoyed  the 
bloom  of  "sweet  sixteen,"  and  since  she  had  first 
loved  and  been  loved,  had  lost  none  of  her  beauty, 
but  it  was  rather  perfected  ;  and  as  she  smiled 
with  evident  satisfaction  at  the  result  of  her  labors 
thus  far,  if  the  bosom  of  Dr.  Hartwell  swelled  with 
pride  and  fervent  admiration  as  well  as  affection, 
as  he  again  pressed  her  to  his  beating  heart,  and 
kissed  her  fair  cheeks,  we  are  not  surprised,  (for 
a  physician,  even,  though  of  the  so-called  "  hard 
hearted  class,"  can  yet  love  with  a  pure  and  de 
voted  affection,)  and  we  believe  he  then  enjoyed 
one  of  the  most  pleasant  and  agreeable  moments 
of  his  life.  Long  did  they  enjoy  the  cheerful  fire 
of  the  parlor,  and  we  leave  to  the  curious,  and 
those  acquainted  with  such  scenes,  the  task  of 
filling  up  the  details  of  the  picture. 

At  an  early  hour  the  next  morning,  the  parties 
had  taken  their  seats  at  the  breakfast  table,  togeth 
er  in  that  place  for  the  last  time,  and  soon  they 
were  in  readiness  to  accompany  the  new-married 
couple  on  their  journey  to  their  new  home.  But 
to  Louisa  the  regret  of  parting  with  her  widowed 
mother  was  lessened  by  the  anticipation  of  soon 
again  enjoying  her  society,  as  the  worthy  widow 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR. 


143 


had  accepted  the  offer  and  invitation  of  Edwin  to 
find  a  home  in  his  family  for  the  future,  as  soon 
as  she  could  make  arrangements  for  that  purpose. 
But  if  Louisa  took  leave  of  her  many  friends  in 
the  city  with  some  regret,  we  are  not  surprised, 
for  she  had  lived  there  so  long,  it  seemed  indeed 
like  home.  And  Calliste  had  also  taken  leave  of 
her  city  home,  and  to  her  perhaps  friendship  ren 
dered  many  a  kindred  spirit  dear.  But  there  is  a 
charm  stronger  than  even  the  hallowed  name  of 
friendship  —  true  affection  —  and  this  predomina 
ted  over  all  others. 

The  morning  was  beautiful,  and  they  were  soon 
on  their  journey,  and  it  was  late  in  the  evening 
ere  they  arrived  at  the  residence  of  Rev.  Mr.  Bar 
ton.  It  was  situated  in  a  beautiful  village,  and 
he  had  chosen  a  retired  yet  truly  pleasant  spot 
for  his  future  home.  A  small  yet  well-finished 
and  furnished  tenement  was  prepared  to  receive 
its  new  mistress,  offering  a  home  worthy  of  its 
noble  yet  humble  and  devoted  occupants.  Indeed 
it  was  just  such  a  rural  seclusion  as  the  gentle  and 
lovely  Louisa  would  have  chosen.  Here  had  Ed 
win  found  a  field  for  his  labors,  and  a  small,  yet 
worthy  church  owned  him  as  their  pastor.  He 
had  been  installed  according  to  their  wishes,  over 
them,  and  the  prospect  was  fair  for  his  eminent 
usefulness  in  the  field  of  his  location  as  a  preacher 
of  the  gospel. 

Here  Dr.  Hartwell  and  Calliste  spent  a  day  or 
two,  in  assisting  the  worthy  couple  in  arranging 
their  furniture,  and  the  small  yet  valuab  lelibrary, 


144  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

which  Calliste  had  furnished  for  her  brother,  was 
fitted  up  in  a  neat  yet  small  apartment,  which  was 
designed  as  a  study.  And  what  now  should  hin 
der  them  from  enjoying  all  the  happiness  which  a 
quiet  home  and  wedded  love  afford  ?  And  in  this 
enjoyment,  we  now,  with  Dr.  Hartwell  and  his 
fair  Calliste,  take  leave  of  the  young  minister  and 
his  beautiful  bride,  for  a  season,  and  accompany 
the  latter  couple,  in  the  eye  of  our  imagination,  to 
the  humble  residence  of  Mr.  Barton,  the  father  of 
Calliste,  where  they  arrived  in  due  time,  and  were 
received  with  a  cordial  welcome. 

The  amiable  and  pious  parents  had  not  been 
able  to  attend  the  wedding  of  their  son,  but  nev 
ertheless,  they  were  happy  in  the  belief  that  Edwin 
had  found  a  bosom  companion  worthy  to  be  the 
wife  of  a  minister,  as  indeed  she  was.  A  happy 
night,  we  opine,  was  spent  in  the  humble  cottage 
of  the  worthy  father,  and  we  believe  Dr.  Hartwell 
and  Calliste  were  enjoying  each  other's  agreeable 
company  until  a  late  hour. 

The  next  morning  found  Dr.  Hartwell  on  his 
way  home.  He  had  been  absent  already  longer 
than  he  had  anticipated,  and  business  demanded 
his  attention.  We  leave  him  at  his  location  for 
the  present,  busy  in  his  profession,  to  speak  more 
particularly  of  Calliste,  the  subject  of  our  narra 
tive, 


CHAPTER   XVIII. 


How  sweet  the  thought 

That  we  have  done,  as  virtue's  instruments, 
A  noble  deed  !     How  glorious  the  reward 
Of  self-denying,  true  benevolence, 
That  crowns  the  heart  ! 

IF  any  thing  can  render  us  truly  happy  in  this 
life,  it  is  the  consciousness  of  our  own  rectitude, 
and  the  full  and  conscientious  conviction  that  we 
have  hitherto  been  faithful  in  the  discharge  of 
every  known  duty.  An  unsullied  conscience  is, 
indeed,  the  key-stone  in  the  arch  of  happiness. 
A  mind  ill  at  ease  with  itself,  cannot  enjoy  the 
calm  serenity  which  is  given  to  the  humble,  yet 
virtuous  and  benevolent  soul,  as  a  foretaste  of  the 
rewards  of  the  future.  Though  fortune  may 
lavish  her  smiles,  and  prosperity  attend  us  in  ev 
ery  enterprise,  still  we  shall  never  enjoy  the  happy 
state  of  mind  which  is  the  reward  of  virtue,  unless 
we  follow  in  her  footsteps,  and  gain  her  approval. 
But  virtue  is  no  respecter  of  persons.  She  re 
wards  alike  all  her  votaries  of  equal  merit.  She 
delights  to  recognize  a  gem  after  her  own  name, 
in  the  humble  seclusion  of  the  mountain  cot,  as 


146  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

well  as  in  the  mansion  or  palace  of  the  city.  In 
deed,  we  find  a  greater  proportion  of  her  favorites 
among  the  humble  poor;  and  full  many  a  rich 
gem,  bearing  the  seal  of  her  kiss,  is  found,  as  we 
think  we  have  already  shown,  "among  the  spin 
dles."  Obscurity  argues  not  a  negative,  but  rather 
the  reverse,  since  the  humble  seclusion  is  more 
congenial  to  the  growth  of  the  virtues.  There 
the  beauties  of  Nature  exhibit  themselves  in  their 
glory.  By  her  works  is  the  mind  led  from  Nature 
up  to  Nature's  God.  And  humility  also  bears  a 
rich  jewel  to  the  soul,  and  in  the  development  of 
the  charms  of  virtue,  she  bids  us  love  her  char 
acter,  and  form  our  own  by  her  golden  rule. 

We  find  Calliste  at  her  father's  residence  among 
the  hills  once  again.  She  had  left  the  theatre 
which  had  been  the  scene  of  her  labors  for  years, 
for  the  last  time.  Free  from  the  duties  of  her 
former  avocation,  she  was  to  remain  at  home  a 
short  time,  to  prepare  for  an  important  and  inter 
esting  event,  which  was  now  anticipated  —  the 
consummation  of  plighted  vows,  and  the  union  of 
mutual  hearts.  Once  again  did  she  enjoy  the 
associations  and  friendships  of  early  years,  when 
the  young  heart  was  in  all  the  buoyancy  of  child 
hood's  fond  anticipations.  With  what  pleasure 
did  she  re-visit  all  those  haunts  so  dear  by  the 
memory  of  early  scenes  ! 

It  is  indeed  pleasant,  after  an  absence  of  a  few 
years  even,  to  meet  again  all  those  old  friends  and 
associates  —  companions  of  by-gone  days — and 
to  exchange  kindly  greetings  with  those  who  have 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUB.  147 

proved  worthy  of  our  confidence.  The  memories 
of  the  past  are  not  easily  obliterated.  Though  we 
should  wear  the  silvery  locks  of  four-score  years, 
though  we  should  experience  the  most  trying  vi 
cissitudes  of  fortune,  or  be  blest  with  her  con 
tinued  smiles,  we  cannot  forget  the  scenes  of  our 
early  years.  They  are  indelibly  stamped  upon  the 
memory,  surviving  all  other  scenes.  We  love 
them  ;  and  how  often,  when  far  away  from  the 
home  and  hearth  of  our  childhood,  does  our  fond 
recollection  bring  up  the  precious  treasures  of  the 
past,  with  all  their  still  endearing  and  hallowed 
charms  !  Though,  one  by  one,  they  have  fled  into 
the  back  ground  of  eternity,  and  the  dim  veil  of 
times  hides  them  for  ever  from  our  sight,  yet  they 
are  never  forgotten 

And  think  you  not,  gentle  reader,  that  Calliste 
was  happy  ?  If  real  worth,  and  a  conscience  void 
of  offence,  can  constitute  an  enviable  situation, 
and  desirable  distinction,  truly  she  had  the  pre 
requisites.  She  had  completed  her  enterprise  so 
laudable,  much  to  her  satisfaction,  and  in  the  con 
sciousness  of  the  performance  of  a  noble  action, 
she  had  a  rich  reward.  She  had  become  a  Fac 
tory  Girl,  and  by  the  labor  of  her  hands  had  sus 
tained  a  dear  brother  in  a  collegiate  course,  and 
in  his  professional  studies  preparatory  to  entering 
the  ministry.  She  had  seen  him  in  the  sacred 
desk,  and  now  he  had  found  a  bosom  companion 
in  her  constant  friend;  she  had  seen  him  united 
to  the  object  of  his  choice  in  the  holy  tie  of  mat 
rimony,  and  accompanied,  and  left  him  with  his 


148  THE  FACTORY  GIRL,,   OR 

truly  worthy  bride,  at  the  place  of  his  location  and 
future  residence.  All  this,  to  a  great  extent,  had 
been  the  result  of  her  enterprise  ;  and  had  she 
not,  fair  reader,  an  enviable  satisfaction  in  thus 
having  been  successful  ?  A  brother's  gratitude 
was  not  the  least  source  of  pleasure,  and  a  broth 
er's  prayers  she  knew  well  how  to  prize.  Now 
he  was  located  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  and 
bid  fair  to  become  eminent  in  his  profession,  and 
useful  to  Zion. 

What  can  furnish  to  the  mind  a  repast  so  grate 
ful,  as  those  works  of  benevolence  and  love  in  our 
past  life,  which  have  rendered  others  happy,  and 
which  Virtue  has  registered  upon  the  fair  scroll  of 
immortality  ? 

A  name  to  live  when  others  die, 
And  in  the  dust  forgotten  lie  ; 
A  name  that  shall  for  ever  shed 
Its  light  when  other  laurels  fade  ; 
Such  is  the  part  that  virtue  gives, 
That  in  eternal  beauty  lives  ; 
Such  is  the  gem  that  e'er  shall  shine, 
And  shed  an  influence  benign. 
Illustrious  deeds,  howe'er  obscure, 
Which  ever  still  new  joys  ensure  ! 
Such  are  thy  works,  O  !  Virtue's  boast, 
Gem  of  the  soul,  that's  never  lost! 

The  prospects  of  this  amiable  and  lovely  Fac 
tory  Girl  were  now  bright  and  pleasing.  She 
was  soon  to  be  united  in  marriage  to  the  object  of 
her  early  choice,  and  that  faithful  affection  which 
she  had  cherished  for  so  long  a  series  of  years, 
had  found  reciprocal  feelings  in  the  bosom  of  Dr. 


GARCE2    LA    Ctetrit.  149 

HartWell.  And  she  was  happy.  The  past  had 
been  satisfactory,  and  the  future  presented  pleas-1 
ing  prospects  through  the  eye  of  anticipation. 

How  beautiful  the  gem  of  true  and  devoted 
affection  !  How  rich  the  halo  which  it  flings  in 
an  increasing  light  about  the  heart  of  its  possessor  ! 
How  transcendently  lovely  every  object  which  is 
hallowed  by  its  sacred  flame !  How  bright  the 
associations  which  cluster  around  its  hallowed 
shrine  !  And  such  was  the  flame  which  found  A 
home  in  the  bosom  of  the  beautiful  and  lovely 
Factory  Girl,  and  Was  reciprocated  by  one  in  all 
respects  worthy  to  bear  the  sacred  trust.  She  had 
loved,  and  loved  deeply,  and  that  passion  had  not 
been,  as  is  too  often  the  case,  lavished  upon  one 
unworthy.  She  found  in  Dr.  Hartwell  the  same 
true  and  devoted  friend,  who  had  gained  hef 
youthful  affections,  and  in  whom  she  had  confided 
the  dearest  trust  that  the  heart  can  give.  She 
had  been  subjected  to  many  of  the  vicissitudes^ 
temptations  and  dangers  of  city  life,  but  Virtue 
had  been  her  shield  and  safe  defence  hitherto,  and 
she  was  still  the  same  beautiful,  innocent  and 
lovely  being,  that  she  was  when  we  had  the  pleas 
ure  of  first  introducing  her  to  our  readers.  No 
snare  had  caught  her  feet ;  every  temptation  had 
been  timely  resisted. 

She  had  found  false  friends,  it  is  true,  but  she 
had  never  placed  sufficient  confidence  in  them  to 
be  injured  by  their  insincerity  and  inconsistency. 
She  had  very  many  true  and  devoted  friends,  and 
well  she  might  have,  for  she  was  one  of  those  ami- 


150  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

able  and  lovely  beings  who  bless  mankind  by  their 
smiles,  and  win  the  hearts  of  all  in  their  favor. 
Fven  those  who,  had  it  been  in  their  power,  would 
have  proved  her  ruin,  admired  the  beauties  of 
her  character,  and  respected  her  for  her  Virtue  ; 
for  Virtue  gains  respect  even  from  those  who 
practice  not  her  precepts. 

Had  she  escaped  the  envy,  of  the  world  ?  Far 
from  it !  Her  success  in  her  enterprize,  and 
withal,  the  fact  that  she  was  a  favorite  in  society, 
aroused  the  green-eyed  monster ;  nor  was  the 
venom  of  the  busy  slanderer's  tongue  permitted  to 
sleep  in  silence.  But  a  heart  conscious  of  its 
own  rectitude,  heeds  not  the  voice  of  detraction ; 
though  unplesant  for  the  moment,  it  will,  in  pro 
cess  of  time,  fall  upon  the  head  of  its  guilty 
author. 

Calliste  had  overcome  every  obstacle,  and  now 
was  generally  beloved  and  respected.  That  she 
had  faults,  we  do  not  pretend  to  deny,  but  she 
was  happy  in  having  but  few,  which  is  the  highest 
perfection  which  is  given  in  degree  to  humanity. 
She  was  indeed  liable  to  errors,  in  common  with 
the  whole  human  family,  but  the  precepts  of  reli 
gion  were  her  golden  rule  of  action.  In  the  path 
of  duty  she  was  happy,  though  she  doubtless  en 
countered  difficulties  and  trials,  as  well  as  others. 
Happy  indeed  are  they,  who  heed  the  lessons, 
and  worship  at  the  shrine  of  Truth  ;  they  shall 
find  a  sweet  solace  here,  and  a  reward  in  that 
rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God  in 
the  world  to  come  ! 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  151 

Thus  did  Calliste  spend  her  time  pleasantly  and 
happily,  in  preparing  for  an  anticipated  scene, 
which  will  be  made  the  subject  of  our  next  chap 
ter.  And  here  we  leave  her  for  the  present,  in 
the  quiet  retreat  of  her  native  home,  while  we 
make  a  few  passing  remarks. 

The  power  of  a  virtuous  mind  over  temptation, 
is  conspicuously  developed  in  those  characters, 
who,  like  the  subject  of  our  humble  narrative, 
have  been  thus  by  its  influence  shielded  from  the 
many  dangers  which  lurk  in  ambush  to  deceive 
and  ruin  the  fair  and  confiding  female.  Espe 
cially  do  we  see  its  influence,  when  the  character 
has  been  moulded  by  its  power  in  early  years. 
Thus  the  mind,  however  exposed,  which  has  been 
carefully  cultivated,  and  has  received  in  early  life 
those  principles  of  virtue  and  religion  necessary  to 
its  safety,  is  seldom  shipwrecked  upon  those  hidden 
rocks  to  which  every  one  is  exposed,  and  which 
bring  ruin  to  so  many  noble  souls.  Virtue  is  in 
deed  the  only  safe  panoply  —  the  only  impenetra 
ble  shield — and  the  mind  thus  guarded,  though 
unsophisticated  and  confiding,  is  comparatively 
safe  from  harm.  And  we  witness  more  striking 
proofs  of  our  assertion  in  those  characters  who 
have  emanated,  as  it  were,  from  obscurity  —  those 
who,  like  the  subject  of  our  narrative,  have  gone 
forth  into  the  world  with  this  panoply  as  their 
only  defence. 

A  virtuous  mind  is  indeed  rich  in  attainments, 
though  its  possessor  be  a  factory  girl  or  a  queen. 
We  should  ever  recognize  those  alone  as  truly 


152  THE    FACTORY    GIRL. 

worthy,  in  whose  minds  the  seal  of  virtue  is  in 
delibly  fixed.  Without  this  character,  the  mil- 
lionare  is  indeed  poor,  so  long  as  the  possession 
of  this  heaven-born  spirit  shall  be  considered  the 
badge  of  true  worth  —  its  principles  the  only 
foundation  of  true  wisdom. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


United,  in  an  holy  tie, 
With  joy  to  live,  in  peace  to  die, 
The  happy  consummation  proves, 
Of  Virtue's  bliss,  and  faithful  Love  ! 

THE  voice  of  Spring  had  been  heard  in  the 
land,  and  all  the  beauties  of  nature  at  that  agree 
able  season  had  made  their  appearance.  The  icy 
fetters  which  had  bound  the  fountains  for  a  season 
had  been  broken,  and  again  the  blue  wave  was 
seen  clothed  in  a  robe  of  sunbeams,  as  it  hurried 
on  to  its  home  in  the  placid  bosom  of  the  dark 
waters.  Gentle  zephyrs  had  taken  the  place  of 
the  harsh  winds  of  Winter,  and,  freighted  with 
rich  fragrance,  fanned  the  opening  flower.  The 
earth,  dismantled  of  her  robe  of  white,  had  now 
re-assumed  her  garments  of  green,  and  the  trees 
were  putting  forth  their  rich  foliage.  Again  were 
heard  the  rich  warbling  notes  of  the  feathered 
tribe  —  those  sweet  songsters  of  the  grove,  and  all 
was  life  and  animation.  The  farmer  had  com 
menced  the  labors  of  the  season,  in  preparing  the 
soil  for  the  reception  of  seed,  in  order  that  he 
might  again  reap  a  rich  harvest,  and  the  cattle 
10 


154  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

again  returned  to  feed  upon  a  thousand  hills.  The 
balmy  fragrance  of  the  air  animated  the  physical 
powers,  and  man  again  enjoyed  the  "  smiling  sea 
son  of  the  year." 

The  husbandman 

At  this  delightful  season  ever  finds 
A  theme  for  joy,  as  to  his  fields  he  goes, 
Elated  with  new  hopes  of  a  reward 
In  autumn  for  his  toil,  and  whistling  now 
"  Speed,  speed  the  plough,"  that  good  old  fav'rite  tune, 
His  labor  sweetened  by  the  joys  of  home, 
He  finds  no  task,  but  with  a  cheerful  heart, 
Follows  the  plough. 

A  Saturday  evening,  at  this  season,  found  Cal- 
liste  again  beside  the  gentle  rolling  stream  near 
her  father's  residence  —  at  which  place  we  first  in 
troduced  her  to  our  readers,  and,  as  then,  Marcus, 
(now  Dr.  Hartwell)  was  at  her  side.  And  think 
you  not,  fair  reader,  that  the  stars,  those  bright 
eyes  of  heaven,  shining  in  the  twilight,  cast  their 
rays  upon  happy  beings,  thus,  after  so  many  changes 
and  vicissitudes,  brought  together  ?  Here  had  they 
years  before  plighted  their  mutual  affection  —  that 
first,  sweetest,  holiest  affection  which  is  found  in 
the  bosom  of  virtuous  youth.  Here  they  had 
spent  one  of  the  happiest  moments  of  their  lives. 
Now  on  the  eve  of  the  consummation  of  their 
plighted  faith,  why  should  they  not  be  happy  ? 
Then,  they  were  far  differently  situated  from  what 
at  present  seemed  to  be  the  pleasure  of  fortune  in 
their  behalf.  Anticipations,  then  only  in  the  bud, 
were  now  about  to  be  realized.  And  with  what 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  155 

pleasure  did  they  recount  the  scenes  of  the  past, 
and  tell  the  power  of  that  affection,  true  to  its 
trust,  which,  as  ever,  had  thus  been  their  mutual 
solace,  and  which  was  soon  to  unite  them  in  the 
holiest  of  earthly  ties  !  You  have  learned  their 
characters ;  and  were  they  not,  kind  reader,  a 
well-matched  couple  ?  Happy  indeed  would  it 
be  for  society,  as  well  as  for  the  parties  concerned, 
were  every  couple  equally  constituted  with  con 
genial  spirits,  to  render  each  other  happy  !  Too 
often,  indeed,  do  we  find  unions  of  dispositions 
and  temperaments  totally  dissimilar ;  and  where 
such  are  the  opposing  elements  of  the  mind,  tran- 
quility  and  happiness  are  out  of  the  question. 
Take  heed,  O  reader  with  a  warm  heart,  that  you 
do  not  marry  an  ice-berg !  You  well  know  the 
result  of  such  a  union. 

Calliste  was  ever  the  same  mild,  sympathizing, 
affectionate  and  lovely  being  —  such  an  one  as  can 
cheer  the  hour  of  adversity,  and  snatch  from  sor 
row  its  most  poignant  pang.  Never  giving  way 
to  despondency,  she  was  well  calculated  to  be 
come  the  bosom  companion  of  a  physician  —  for  of 
all  professions,  that  of  a  physician  is  the  most  ar 
duous  and  laborious,  and  so  great  is  the  responsi 
bility  resting  upon  him,  that  his  mind  is  ill  at  ease 
at  any  time,  especially  if  he  is  a  young  man,  and 
has  acquired  an  extensive  practice.  No  one, 
therefore,  we  say,  needs  a  better  wife  than  a  phy 
sician  ;  for  if  home  furnishes  for  him  no  pleasure, 
where,  indeed,  shall  he  find  it  ?  Calliste  was, 
dear  friend,  just  such  a  being  as  you  would  have 


156  THE     FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

loved,  unless,  perchance,  by  the  shield  of  "  single 
blessedness,"  you  have  been  left  unexposed  to  the 
shafts  of  Cupid,  and  still  retain  your  bachelor 
heart !  But  she  had  formed  her  plans  for  the  fu 
ture,  and  her  heart  was  given  and  her  hand  pledged 
to  Dr.  Hartwell,  and  we  involuntarily  mingle 
our  joy  with  theirs,  in  the  prospect  of  a  happy 
union. 

Love,  if  it  is  not  pure,  is  the  most  bitter  and 
dangerous  of  any  amalgam  of  the  heart  —  worse 
than  the  poison  of  asps!  It  plays  destruction 
upon  the  confiding,  and  as  in  the  case  of  the  co 
quette,  it  smiles  with  desperation,  and  poisons  the 
soul ! 

The  morning  of  the  holy  Sabbath  brought  its 
cheering  influence  to  the  truly  pious  heart ;  the 
bell  pealed  its  shrill  notes  from  the  old  church  in 

the  village  of ,  and  here  and  there  might 

have  been  seen  groups  of  various  ages,  flocking  to 
the  sanctuary  ;  for  a  scene  of  peculiar  interest  ex 
cited  curiosity.  The  congregation  were  seated, 
and  the  tolling  of  the  bell  soon  brought  the  vene 
rable  man  of  God  to  his  place.  A  moment  of 
breathless  silence,  as  it  were,  ensued,  as  the  con 
gregation  awaited  the  scene  about  to  be  presented. 

They  stood  before  the  grey-headed  minister  — 
Dr.  Hartwell  and  Calliste  —  and  we  are  inclined  to 
think  they  might  have  gained  even  too  much  ad 
miration  from  surrounding  eyes,  but  —  that  is  noth 
ing  to  us.  The  ceremony  was  concluded  —  and 
CALLISTE,  the  beautiful  Factory  Girl,  was  the 
bride  of  DR.  HARTWELL  !  Immediately  the  choir 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  157 

broke  forth  in  an  anthem,  closing  the  scene  with 
notes  of  thrilling  melody.  The  exercises  of  the 
morning  were  commenced  with  due  solemnity,  and 
closed  in  the  same  spirit. 

But  where  was  the  brother  of  Calliste  and  his 
young  bride  ?  They  were  not  present,  for  distance 
and  duty  overbalanced  inclination.  But  at  this 
wedding  scene,  those  pious  and  devoted  parents 
were  present;  and  think  you,  fair  friend,  they 
were  not  happy  at  thus  seeing  their  beloved  and 
beautiful  daughter  the  bride  of  one,  whom  they 
believed  worthy  of  her  hand  ?  If  there  is  anything 
that  can  please  the  heart  of  a  tender  parent,  it  is 
to  find  their  beloved  child  thus  happy  in  the  affec 
tions  of  a  virtuous  and  pious  companion,  and  uni 
ted  to  the  object  of  their  choice. 

We  pass  over  the  two  succeeding  days,  for  their 
scenes  may  be  well  imagined,  and  the  parting, 
and  journey,  present  nothing  of  peculiar  interest 
to  the  reader.  We  now  find  them  at  their  resi 
dence,  which  has  been  already  described.  Dr. 
Hartwell  still  resided  in  the  beautiful  village  where 
we  have  found  him  first  located,  and  his  prospects 
were  fair  and  promising.  Thither  he  had  removed 
his  beautiful  bride,  and  we  are  happy  to  find  them 
at  their  future  home.  The  neat,  and  pleasantly 
located  cottage  which  we  have  already  described, 
was  handsomely  furnished,  and  at  her  new  home 
Ave  see  nothing  to  hinder  the  enjoyment  of  Calliste. 
Good  society  surrounded  them,  and  Dr.  Hartwell 
had  very  many  true  friends  to  whom  to  introduce 
his  lovely  bride.  The  pleasures  of  domestic  life 


158  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,   OR 

were  theirs,  though  we  are  not  able  to  tell  by  ex 
perience  precisely  what  these  pleasures  are — at 
least  so  far  as  the  bands  of  matrimony  are  con 
cerned.  And  what,  courteous  reader,  could  be 
more  pleasant,  more  agreeable  to  Calliste,  (now 
Mrs.  Hartwell,)  or  more  truly  congenial  to  her 
feelings,  than  a  residence  in  such  a  pleasant  rural 
seclusion  as  this?  Enjoying  as  she  did  the  society 
of  the  object  of  her  earliest  love,  as  a  bosom  com 
panion,  what  could  render  home  other  than  the 
abode  of  contentment  and  happiness  ?  They  were 
blessed  with  ample  resources,  and  the  fear  of  fu 
ture  want  was  not  staring  them  in  the  face.  Dr. 
Hartwell  was  enjoying  an  extensive  practice  in 
his  profession ;  indeed,  they  were  happy.  Our 
humble  Factory  Girl  had  found  a  home  in  the 
midst  of  the  brightest  prospects,  and  in  the  bosom 
of  true  and  faithful  affection. 

Here,  in  the  enjoyment  of  all  those  blessings 
which  serve  to  render  life  agreeable,  we  leave  our 
fair  friend  Calliste,  the  humble  and  virtuous  Fac 
tory  Girl,  to  pursue  the  path  which  leads  to  hap 
piness,  and  to  prove  a  blessing  to  those  with  whom 
she  may  chance  to  associate  ;  and  we  are  happy  in 
saying  that  we  leave  her  happy,  as  the  wife  of  Dr. 
Hartwell.  And  as  we  take  our  leave  o*f  the  wor 
thy  subject  of  our  humble  narrative,  a  train  of  re 
flections  naturally  suggest  themselves  to  our  mind, 
which  will  be  pursued  more  at  length  in  our  next 
and  concluding  chapter.  But  we  cannot  forbear 
in  this  place,  to  notice  again  the  salutary  power  of 
true  affection.  Had  we  an  angel's  intellect,  and  a 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  159 

pen  dipped  in  the  fountain  of  sublimity,  we  might 
adequately  depict  the  beauties  of  this  heaven-born 
gem, —  but  our  feeble  pen  must  fail  to  paint  from 
thought,  the  hallowed  impress  of  that  seal  which 
has  power  to  cement  mutual  hearts,  and  whose 
union,  ab  initio,  is  a  presage  of  future  happiness. 

Thrice  sacred,  holy,  heaven-born  name  ! 
Affection's  true  and  faithful  flame ! 
Whose  radiance  never  fails  to  lend 
Virtue's  own  beauties  as  they  blend  ! 

Happy  the  heart  whose  graces  boast 
The  light  of  one  that's  never  lost; 
Perpetual  love  fore'er  the  same, 
Burning  with  an  increasing  flame  ! 

Delightful  affection  !      Virtue's  page, 
Delights  to  own  thy  tender  age  ; 
And  fain  accepts,  with  grace  benign, 
Thy  consummation  sweet,  divine  ! 

This  be  thy  last,  O  !  gentle  friend, 
To  find  affection's  richest  gem, 
Whose  light  shall  shine  however  riven, 
Begun  on  earth, —  resumed  in  heaven  ! 


CHAPTER    XX. 


Would'st  thou  bo  happy  gentle  friend? 

To  Virtue's  ways,  thy  thoughts  incline  ; 
She  shall  her  influence  ever  lend, 

And  guide  thee  to  a  Home  Divine ! 

WE  left  the  subject  of  our  narrative  at  a  pleas 
ant  location,  surrounded  by  everything  that  can 
render  life  agreeable  and  happy  in  the  scenes  of 
domestic  life  arid  rural  tranquility.  The  sequel  in 
part  we  can  tell,  but  we  will  endeavor  to  be  brief, 
and  not  to  tax  the  patience  of  our  readers  too 
highly. 

As  a  wife,  Calliste  is  a  model  for  her  sex.  Kind, 
affectionate,  and  amiable,  she  has  secured  very 
many  true  friends,  and  we  believe,  when  we  re 
flect  upon  the  past,  she  does  not  regret  having 
become  a  Factory  Girl.  Her  beloved  mother  has 
gone  to  her  rest,  and  we  trust  her  joy  in  Heaven 
is  increased,  if  possible,  by  the  life  of  her  children. 
Edwin  is  now  laboring  successfully  in  the  gospel 
field,  and  eternity  will  reveal  the  importance  and 
value  of  that  instrumentality  which  placed  him 
there.  The  young  minister  and  his  virtuous  and 
beautiful  bride  are  happy,  and  we  believe  they 


THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    &C.  161 

have  never  had  cause  to  regret  the  circumstance 
that  brought  them  together.  Edwin  stands  high 
in  his  profession,  and  his  prospects  are  fair  for 
eminent  usefulness  and  a  happy  life.  Louisa,  still 
lovely  and  beautiful,  regrets  not  the  hour  that  saw 
her  give  her  heart  and  hand  to  the  young  minister. 
Her  mother  lives  in  the  family,  and  if  happiness 
is  found  on  earth,  we  believe  it  dwells  under  their 
roof.  And  here  with  our  silent  adieu,  we  leave 
them. 

Dr.  Hartwell  stands  high  in  his  profession,  and 
his  reputation  as  a  physician,  as  well  as  a  man,  is 
indeed  enviable.  Calliste  has  become  a  mother, 
and  a  bright-eyed  boy  is  now  the  object  of  her 
care  and  anxious  solicitude  ;  and  had  she  a  score 
of  children,  we  should  be  satisfied  that  a  benign 
influence  would  mould  their  tender  minds,  and 
prepare  them  for  usefulness  and  happiness.  The 
aged  surviving  parent  of  Calliste  dwells  under  her 
roof,  and  finds  a  happy  home  in  the  family  of  Dr. 
Hartwell,  and  a  beloved  daughter  soothes  the 
many  sorrows  of  age.  Calliste  is  indeed  a  true 
friend  to  humanity,  and  often  does  she  receive, 
even  in  the  departing  moments  of  the  subjects  of 
disease  and  sorrow,  thanks  from  overflowing 
hearts,  whose  prayers  ascend  to  call  down  bless 
ings  upon  her  head.  Still  does  she  walk  in  the 
path  of  humble  virtue,  and  on  the  bosom  of  af 
fection  she  is  truly  blest. 

In  taking  a  final  leave  of  the  happy  family  of 
Dr.  Hartwell,  we  are  pleased  with  the  result  of 
the  mission  of  the  Factory  Girl,  and  hesitate  not 


162  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

to  say,  that  no  example  more  noble  —  more  be 
nevolent —  more  salutary,  or  more  laudable,  has 
emanated  from  any  source  whatever,  than  that 
which  is  shown  in  the  life  and  works  of  even  the 
humble  Operative.  Would  to  Heaven  we  had 
many  more,  from  other,  and  professedly  more  no 
ble  ranks,  as  competitors  for  the  honor  which  Jus 
tice  must  award  to  MRS.  HARTWELL. 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  163 


CONCLUSION. 

Courteous  Reader,  our  story  is  told.  We  have 
shown  you  an  isolated  case  of  "  Mind  among  tne 
Spindles."  As  we  have  before  remarked,  this  is 
but  a  single  case  among  many  which  have  come 
under  our  observation.  Our  characters  are  now 
most  of  them  upon  the  stage  of  action.  It  is  true, 
delicacy  has  prompted  us  to  withhold  their  real 
names ;  but  we  assure  our  readers,  our  story  has 
its  foundation  in  real  life,  however  romantic  it 
may  appear.  And  as  we  draw  our  narrative  to 
a  close,  ere  we  lay  down  our  pen,  we  cannot  for 
bear  to  draw  a  few  inferences  by  way  of  applica 
tion. 

Should  the  eyes  of  Parents  chance  to  fall  upon 
these  pages,  we  would  ask  their  attention  to  the 
salutary  power  of  early  moral  and  religious  in 
struction  upon  the  minds  of  youth,  as  shown  in 
the  present  humble  narrative,  and  no  comment 
upon  this  point  seems  necessary. 

To  those  who  are  capitalists  and  own  manufac 
turing  establishments,  we  would  say,  remember 
that  you  have  within  the  minds  of  your  operatives 
many  gems  of  transcendent  beauty  and  excellence, 
and  forget  not  that  they  are  members  of  the  same 
human  family  with  yourselves.  Pierce  their  veins, 
and  the  same  "purple  current"  will"  flow,  that 
courses  in  your  own.  They  are  all  as  good  by 


164  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

nature  as  yourselves.  Forget  not  the  responsibil 
ity  of  your  relations  to  them.  Beware  how  you 
consider  them  of  no  consequence,  lest  they  rise 
and  shine,  when  you  are  forgotten  and  unknown. 
To  the  Operative  we  would  say,  we  are  happy 
to  greet  you  thus ;  and  as  we  have  selected  one 
of  your  number  as  the  subject  of  our  present  vol 
ume,  we  with  pleasure  take  you  by  the  hand,  in 
our  imagination,  and  as  we  present  our  humble 
and  unobtrusive  work  for  your  inspection,  we 
would  fain  hope  its  pages  may  not  prove  entirely 
uninteresting,  or  in  vain.  Let  the  example  of  one 
of  your  number  be  imitated,  so  far  as  her  virtues 
and  consistent  life  is  concerned,  and  add  as  many 
new  and  rare  virtues  in  your  own  case,  as  may  be. 
Remember,  O  fair  friends,  though  you  are  called 
Factory  Girls,  it  is  no  disparagement  to  you,  for 
from  your  ranks  have  we  many  noble  and  laudable 
examples.  Think  not  that  your  calling  debars  you 
from  excellence  and  real  worth.  Let  virtue  be 
your  guiding  star.  Resist  temptation,  for  many  a 
snare  is  laid  to  ruin  the  artless  and  confiding.  We 
would  have  you  remember  the  motto  on  our  title- 
page,  particularly  applicable  to  you — GARDEZ  LA 
CCEUR  —  (guard  the  heart.}  Yes,  guard  the  heart, 
and  you  are  safe  from  danger.  Virtue  alone  is  a 
safe  shield — an  impenetrable  aegis.  She  shall 
keep  you  safe  from  every  snare,  if  you  will  confide 
in  her  precepts,  and  walk  in  her  footsteps.  Be 
virtuous,  then,  O  fair  friends,  and  you  shall  re 
ceive  a  glorious  reward.  Avoid  every  appearance 
of  evil,  and  you  are  comparatively  safe  from  harm 


GARDEZ    LA    CCEUR.  165 

—  from  every  danger.  Preserve  your  integrity, 
and  remember  that  you  are  forming  characters  for 
eternity !  Let  your  every  action  be  consistent 
with  the  Golden  Rule,  and  you  shall  be  happy. 

Again  ;  neglect  not  the  cultivation  of  the  mind. 
Mental  as  well  as  moral  excellence,  is  recognized 
by  Virtue  as  real  worth,  and  "  minds  among  the 
spindles,"  when  duly  cultivated,  shine  no  less 
conspicuous,  but  even  more,  than  among  those 
who  have  had  greater  advantages,  and  from  whom 
more  may  justly  be  expected.  Therefore,  dare  to 
be  wise,  however  humble  your  origin.  Intellectu 
al  and  moral  worth  can  alone  ensure  a  name  to 
live  when  you  are  sleeping  in  the  dust,  and  virtue 
alone  can  entitle  you  to  a  blissful  immortality. 
Rise  in  your  native  strength  and  beauty,  and  pluck 
a  leaf  from  the  laurel  by  your  own  exertions,  to 
perpetuate  your  memory,  and  secure  you  a  place 
in  the  constellation  of  virtuous  female  characters. 
Let  no  one  despair,  and  think  they  must  labor 
unknown  and  forgotten,  and  drag  out  a  short  ex 
istence  in  sorrow.  No!  Virtue  shall  not  forget 
the  humble  votary  at  her  shrine.  In  due  time,  if 
you  follow  her  mandates,  you  shall  not  fail  to  gain 
your  reward.  Shame  on  that  being  who  would 
depress  the  "mind  among  the  spindles!  "  Shame 
on  the  narrow  soul  that  thinks  a  name  sufficient  to 
command  respect,  and  would  fain  place  the  hum 
ble  and  virtuous  on  the  back-ground  !  Heed  not 
such  an  one,  O  Factory  Girl,  for  virtue  shall  en 
able  you  to  win  the  prize,  and  reap  unfading  lau- 


166  THE    FACTORY    GIRL,    OR 

rels !  Be  virtuous,  and  Heaven  shall  approve 
your  works,  and  own  you  with  a  smile  ! 

And  now,  dear  Reader,  we  are  about  to  take 
our  leave  of  you,  and  to  lay  down  our  weary  pen. 
We  have  addressed  you  as  a  brother  —  as  one 
who  feels  an  interest  in  your  welfare,  and  we  trust 
you  will  pardon  us  if  we  have  taxed  your  patience 
with  a  detail  lengthy  or  uninteresting.  We  claim 
not  the  "  pen  of  a  ready  writer,"  or  the  ability  of 
the  learned  ;  but  if  we  have  afforded  interest  and 
instruction  to  even  one  of  our  readers,  for  the 
passing  hour,  we  feel  that  our  labor  has  not  been 
in  vain.  We  have  written  for  your  good,  and  we 
trust  the  critic  will  leave  this  unpretending  vol 
ume,  while  he  exercises  his  severity  upon  works 
of  higher  pretensions. 

Long  may  you  live  in  the  enjoyment  of  Heav 
en's  richest  blessings.  May  true  and  devoted  af 
fection  crown  your  heart,  and  you  reap  the  rich 
reward  of  constancy.  May  peace  attend  you,  and 
prosperity  ever  shine  upon  your  path.  May  you 
never  feel  the  pang  of  sorrow,  but  in  the  ways  of 
Virtue  may  you  live  while  you  pursue  the  jour 
ney  on  earth.  May  your  youthful  days  be  spent 
in  preparation  for  the  future ;  and  when  the 
dim  mantle  of  age  has  at  length  fallen  upon  you, 
may  you  retires  to  rest  on  the  bosom  of  faithful  af 
fection,  and  enjoy  the  fruits  of  your  labors.  Late 
may  you  retire  to  dust,  and  when  life  is  done,  and 
you  rest  in  the  tomb,  may  your  soul  be  presented, 


GARDEZ    LA    CffiUR.  167 

faultless,  before  Heaven's  tribunal,  and  you  gain  a 
title  among  the  redeemed,  to  immortality ! 

Gentle  Reader,  we  now,  in  imagination,  take 
you  affectionately  by  the  hand,  and  with  fervent 
hopes  for  your  future  happiness  and  prosperity, 
we  bid  you  a  silent  adieu  ! 


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